Florida homeowners who live in their home as a permanent residence may qualify for the homestead exemption, and veterans may qualify for more, including a $5,000 exemption for a 10% or higher service-connected disability and a total exemption for a permanent and total (P&T) service-connected disability. You apply with your county property appraiser, and the deadline is March 1. The property appraiser decides eligibility.
I walk every buyer through this after closing, because a missed deadline can cost a full year of savings. Here's the overview.
What is the Florida homestead exemption?
If you own the home and make it your permanent residence as of January 1, you may qualify for a homestead exemption that reduces your home's taxable value. There's a first exemption that applies to all property taxes and an additional exemption on part of the value that doesn't apply to school taxes. The additional homestead exemption is about $26,400 for 2026 after recent inflation adjustments.
Homestead also brings the Save Our Homes cap, which limits how much your assessed value can rise each year while you keep the exemption.
What exemptions are available for disabled veterans?
- 10% or more service-connected disability: a $5,000 exemption may apply.
- Permanent and total (P&T) service-connected disability: a total exemption from property taxes on the homestead may apply. Some surviving spouses may also qualify.
- Combat-disabled veterans 65 and older: a discount equal to the disability rating may apply.
- Deployed service members: a deployment exemption may apply for qualifying deployments.
You'll need documents such as your VA disability letter. The property appraiser decides who qualifies.
When and how do I apply?
File with your county property appraiser by March 1 of the tax year. Most offer online filing:
- Pinellas County Property Appraiser
- Hillsborough County Property Appraiser
- Pasco County Property Appraiser
- Manatee County Property Appraiser
Typical documents include your deed or closing documents, Florida driver's license and vehicle registration at the new address, voter registration if you have it, and VA letters for veteran exemptions. Check your appraiser's site for the exact list.
Will my taxes go up when I buy a home?
Possibly. The seller's tax bill reflects their exemptions and capped value. After a sale, the assessed value usually resets to market value for the new owner, so your bill may be higher than the seller's. I always help buyers estimate this before making an offer. Comparing areas? See Pinellas vs Hillsborough vs Pasco.
Can I transfer my Save Our Homes benefit?
Florida allows "portability" in many cases, letting you move some of your Save Our Homes savings to a new Florida homestead if you apply in time. The property appraiser decides the amount. Thinking about selling and buying? Start with what your home is worth.
What if I'm stationed in Florida but my home of record is elsewhere?
Homestead is tied to permanent residence, and military members have special situations. Talk to your property appraiser's office and a tax professional before you file.
How much can a veteran exemption save?
Savings depend on your home's assessed value and your local millage rate, so they vary a lot. A $5,000 exemption lowers your taxable value by that amount. A total exemption for a P&T service-connected disability may remove property taxes on the homestead entirely, although non-ad valorem assessments, like some solid waste or special district fees, may still apply. Your county property appraiser's site has a tax estimator.
Other exemptions Florida homeowners may qualify for
- Senior exemptions in some cities and counties for income-qualified homeowners 65 and older.
- Widow and widower exemptions.
- Disability exemptions for certain non-veteran disabilities, such as total and permanent disability.
- First responder exemptions for those totally and permanently disabled in the line of duty.
Each has its own rules and documents. The property appraiser decides, and a CPA can help you understand the impact.
What happens if I miss the March 1 deadline?
Some counties allow late filing in limited situations, often with a petition to the value adjustment board. Rules are strict, so don't count on it. Put March 1 on your calendar the day you close. I send my clients a reminder each winter.
Can I lose my homestead exemption?
Yes, if the home stops being your permanent residence, for example if you move out and rent it. Renting a homestead property can affect the exemption, and the rules are specific. If you're thinking about renting your home after a PCS or a move, call your property appraiser's office first and talk to a CPA. Ask, then act, so you don't face back taxes or penalties later.
Quick checklist
- Move in and establish permanent residence by January 1
- Update your driver's license and vehicle registration
- Gather your deed and closing documents
- Collect VA disability letters if applicable
- File with your county property appraiser by March 1
- Ask about portability if you're moving from another Florida homestead
FAQ
What is the deadline for the Florida homestead exemption?
March 1 of the tax year, filed with your county property appraiser.
How much is the Florida veteran disability exemption?
Veterans with a 10% or higher service-connected disability may qualify for a $5,000 exemption, and veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability may qualify for a total exemption on their homestead. The property appraiser decides.
Can I apply for homestead the same year I buy?
You can apply for the year after you establish permanent residence by January 1. If you close in mid-year, you'll usually apply by March 1 of the following year.
Do I need to reapply every year?
Many counties renew homestead automatically, but you must tell the appraiser if your use of the property changes. Check your county's rules.
Does Krystal file exemptions for me?
No. You file with the property appraiser, but I'm happy to point you to the right forms and remind you before the deadline.
Veterans: get a free home value review and exemption checklist at my Veteran Home Value page, or call or text (727) 291-7001.
Sources
- Florida Department of Revenue: Property tax exemptions
- Pinellas County Property Appraiser
- Florida Statutes, Chapter 196 (Online Sunshine)
Krystal Crichlow | eXp Realty · Palm Harbor, FL · (727) 291-7001 · Equal Housing Opportunity
Not affiliated with the VA or any government agency. This is general information, not tax or legal advice. Talk to a CPA or attorney. The property appraiser decides exemption eligibility.
