Florida Homestead Information

Florida Homestead

Every person who owns a dwelling in the state of Florida and who resides in that dwelling and in good faith makes it their permanent residence is eligible for homestead exemption. Once exemption is granted, a reduction of $50,000. is deducted from the assessed value of the dwelling. To qualify you must be a permanent resident of Florida as of January 1st in the year you apply. You must have legal and equitable title to the property and reside in the property as your primary residence as of January 1st. The law does not allow new homestead applications to be filed prior to January 1st of the year the exemption is effected. However, property owners who are not eligible for the current year, but who will be eligible for the following year, may pre-file for the exemption any time after March 1st. New applications for the current year must be made in person prior to March 1st. This is done at the Property Appraiser's office or at any office designated by the Property Appraiser. Only one Homestead Exemption is allowed per "family unit". If you are applying for this exemption you would not be entitled to receive it if you or your spouse are receiving residency-based exemptions in another state. The following items are required as proof of legal residence:

1. Evidence of ownership (deed, tax receipt, etc.)
2. Social security numbers of all owners
3. Voter Registration (if you vote) dated prior to January 1st
4. Florida Driver's license dated prior to January 1st
5. Florida Vehicle Registration dated prior to January 1st
6. If not a U.S. citizen, a resident alien "green" card
7. If your property is held in a trust, a complete copy of the trust agreement
8. If your property is a mobile home, the real property decal number and copy of the registration or title to the mobile home.

For more information about homestead log onto the Collier County Appraiser's website at: http://www.collierappraiser.com/MainHomestead.asp

or call a member of The Harris-Peppe Team today at 239-370-0574

Thank you, and make it a great day,

The Naples Real Estate Blogger