Homestead exemption is an official and constitutional guarantee that reduces the assessed value of your residential property for qualified permanent residents of up to $25,000.  Thus, your ad valorem tax bill is reduced.

To file for this exemption, you must establish residency by December 31 prior to the year you will claim exemption, then file the exemption in January or February.

What you will need:

Proof to establish residency prior to January 1 for all owners who occupy the property.

• Florida Voter Registration Card or
  Declaration of Domicile

• Valid Florida Driver's License or
  Identification Card

• Florida Auto Tag Registration on all
  vehicles privately owned

• Social Security Numbers

Provide a recorded deed or tax bill in your name for the home or vehicle registration/title for a mobile home as
proof that your residency was established in the required time frame.

To obtain addition information, please contact:

Sarasota County Property Appraiser
2001 Adams Lane
Sarasota, FL
941-951-5650

or visit the following website for further information:
http://www.state.fl.us/dor/property/exemptions.html

 

Homestead Exemption Eligibility

• Homeowners who rent their homes are unable to qualify for this exemption.  Rental of one's primary residence constitutes abandonment of this exemption.
  

• If you own a mobile home, you can get homestead exemption if you own the land to which the mobile home is permanently
  affixed.  You will need the title or registration to the mobile home and residency of documentation.

• Citizenship is not required to file for homestead exemption.  If you are not a resident, you must present a Declaration of Domicile and a permanent resident alien card/green card when you apply.

• If you are a qualified Florida resident who has a spouse that has deceased, you are eligible for a widows or widowers exemption.

• Exemptions are not automatically
  transferred from one residence to a new home.  To receive an exemption you must reapply before March 1.