A person who, on January 1, holds legal or equitable title to real property in Florida and who in good faith
makes the property their permanent residence - or the permanent residence of a dependent - is eligible for a
homestead exemption.
If granted, the exemption provides:
- A reduction of up to $25,000 from the assessed value of the property for all taxing authorities, and
- An additional exemption on the assessed value above $50,000, for all levies except school district
levies.
Note: The amount of the additional exemption is adjusted annually based on inflation, as provided by Florida
law. Please see F.S. 196.031(1)(b) for additional information.
To qualify you must be a permanent resident of Florida as of January 1st
of the year in which you apply for the exemption. Florida law does allow new homestead
applications to be filed prior to January 1st of the year the exemption is to be
effective. However, pre-filed applications will only be accepted after March 1st
of each year for the succeeding year.
Florida Statutes allow only one
Homestead Exemption per "family unit." This means that anyone applying
for the Homestead Exemption in Collier County would not be legally entitled to receive
the exemption if they or their spouse are receiving residency-based exemption(s)
in another state. This includes veterans and senior citizen exemptions.
Homestead Exemption Applications must be made in person at one of our locations.
Please bring all of the following items, as they are required as proof of legal
residence.
- Evidence of ownership (deed, tax receipt, etc.)
- Social Security numbers for all applicants and spouses; as required by F.S.
Section 196.011(1)
- Collier County Voter Registration (if you vote) dated prior to January 1st
- Florida Driver License dated prior to January 1st
- Florida Vehicle Registration dated prior to January 1st
Optional: Declaration of Domicile filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court prior
to January 1st of the year of application.
Additional information:
- If not a U.S. citizen, a resident alien "green" card.
- If your property is held in trust, a complete copy of the trust agreement.
- If your residence is a mobile home, the real property decal number and a
copy of the registration or title to the mobile home.
- If you or your spouse benefitted from a residency based exemption on an
out of state property, a document from that government office stating the exemption
has been removed will be required.
At the time of the application, additional documents may be required.
When and Where to File:
New applications for Homestead Exemption for the current year must be made in person
prior to March 1st at the Property Appraiser's office or at select locations during
the regular homestead filing period. If you move, you must file a new application
for homestead at your new residence. It does not automatically transfer. Please
remember, that property owners who are not eligible for the current year but will
be eligible for the following year, may pre-file for the exemption any time after
March 1st.