Plain-words guide

Are you getting Florida's homestead exemption? How to check your TRIM notice

Florida's homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your primary residence by up to $50,000 and, just as important, triggers the Save Our Homes cap that limits assessed-value increases to 3% a year. Your August TRIM notice shows it in the exemptions column. If you own and live in the home as your permanent residence and the column is blank, you're overpaying — you can apply with the county property appraiser (deadline: March 1 of the tax year).

Where it appears

On the TRIM notice, look for the exemptions line under each taxing authority — homestead typically shows as $25,000 plus an additional up-to-$25,000 on value between $50,000 and $75,000.

If it's missing

Apply with your county property appraiser (most take applications online). The application deadline for a tax year is March 1. If you had homestead and it vanished, call the appraiser's office — that's an error worth fixing before the VAB deadline passes.

Do it in 60 seconds: Paste your TRIM notice into Tax Appeal FL — it checks the exemption lines along with the value, free.
Open Tax Appeal FL — free →

Common questions

Do I reapply every year?

No. Once granted it renews automatically while the home remains your permanent residence.

Can I have homestead on a rental or second home?

No — only your permanent primary residence qualifies.

What is portability?

If you move within Florida you can transfer some or all of your Save Our Homes benefit to the new homestead — file for it when you apply at the new home.

Sources: Florida Dept. of Revenue — Homestead exemption. This guide is general information, not legal, financial, or medical advice.