WHAT IS A HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION?
Homestead Exemption is a tax reduction allowable to Florida homeowners whos primary residence is their permanent residence. If approved, this exemption could reduce the taxable value of your residence by up to $25,000. As a result, the homeowner would enjoy a substantial savings on the taxes levied on their property by the various taxing authorities. Typical savings amount to about $500. per year.
Homeowners must file an initial application and as long as they remain in the property, their exemption will be automatically renewed each year and a renewal receipt will be mailed to them.
It is, however, the responsibility of the owner to notify the Property Appraiser of any change in their exemption status. Florida law requires the filing of a new application when any title change is made.
HOW TO QUALIFY
As of January 1st, you must:
1) be a legal resident of a County in Florida
2) have recorded legal or beneficial title to the property on which you are applying
3) be making the property your permanent legal residence
WHEN TO FILE
January 1st through March 1st - Regular Filing time (For the current tax year)
March 2nd through December 31st - Prefiling (For the upcoming tax year)
For the best service and so that you can avoid long lines at the regular filing time, we recommend prefiling your application.
HOW TO FILE
In Person or By Mail
New homeowners can expect to receive an original application with instructions on how to file. However, it may also not be sent in a timely manner.It is best call to have an application mailed to you. If you prefer, you can bring the required information to your property appraiser's office and they will be glad to assist you in filing. In any case, the application must be completed and submitted along with the proper proof of residency information.
You may also download a blank application from many of the County Property Appraiser websites. For your convenience we have listed the counties in Central Florida:
Seminole County Property Appraiser http://www.scpafl.org
Orange County Property Appraiser http://www.ocpafl.org
WHAT YOU NEED TO FILE
Proof of residency information:
If you drive you must have a Florida Driver's License.
If you do not drive you must have one of the following:
Florida Identification Card
County of Residence Voter's Registration
County of Residence Declaration of Domicile
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must provide your immigration number and date or bring your resident alien (green) card.
You must provide social security numbers for all applicants, their spouse or any occupant who may be entitled to the exemption.
WHERE TO FILE:
Remember the deadline to file is March 1st!
Seminole County
Main Office: Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Seminole County Services Bldg., 1101 East First Street, Sanford Florida
Orange County
Their office is accepting exemption applications for the 2004 tax year until March 1, 2004. They offer two (2) ways to file for the exemption, in person or by mail.
To File By Mail
Bill Donegan, CFA
Orange County Property Appraiser
Attention: Exemptions
200 S. Orange Avenue Suite 1700
Orlando FL 32801
In Person
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday
Friday, January 2, 2004 - Monday, March 1, 2004
(Located in the SunTrust Tower)
OR
Florida Mall
(Sand Lake at South Orange Blossom Trail)
8001 S. Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando, Florida
New wing - mall entrance between Nordstrom's and Burdines. In main concourse near Steve Madden Shoes, Littman Jewelers & Paradise Bakery
Orlando Fashion Square Mall
(East Colonial Drive at Maguire Blvd.)
3201 E. Colonial Drive
Orlando, Florida
Directly outside JC Penney's
West Oaks Mall
(West Colonial Drive at Clarke Road)
9401 W. Colonial Drive
Ocoee, Florida
Down the JC Penney's concourse
OTHER EXEMPTIONS AVAILABLE
Senior Exemption:
At least one owner must be 65 years of age as of January 1st in the year that application is made.
Total household income must not exceed the limit imposed by law. (more..) $500 Exemptions:
Widow's/Widower's
Must be a widow or widower. May not be divorced or remarried. Attach a copy of your late husband's/wife's death certificate.
Disability - (non-service connected)
Must be considered totally and permanently disabled. Attach physician certificates from one (1) licensed, professionally unrelated, Florida physicians.
Blind
Must be considered legally blind. Attach a copy of a letter from the Division of Blind Services. Veteran's Administration, or certificate from two (2) licensed, professionally unrelated, Florida physicians.
$5000 Exemption:
Disability - (service connected)
Must have a disability of 10% or more. Attach a letter from the Veteran's Administration.
Total Exemptions:
Disability - (non-service connected)
Must be considered totally and permanently disabled and meet income statement with proofs of income and two (2) certificates from licensed, professionally unrelated, Florida physicians.
Special Notes:
Income limitation does not apply to quadriplegics.
Persons other than quadriplegics, paraplegics or hemiplegics must use a wheelchair for mobility to qualify for this exemption.
Disability - (service connected)
Must be totally and permanently disabled. Attach a letter from the Veteran's Administration. Form #27-333
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