(305) 856-6700

Critical Deadline – Homestead Exemption Applications

by | Jan 14, 2026 | Residential

To:                         Florida Realtors & Real Estate Professionals
From:                    The Desk of Rafael Fabian
Date:                     January 8, 2026
Subject:                Reminder – March 1, 2026 Deadline for New Homestead Exemption Applications

Memo to Real Estate Professionals

Important Deadline for Florida Homestead Exemption

What You Need to Know

  • Deadline: March 1, 2026 (some counties list March 2 when March 1 falls on a weekend/holiday).
  • Who Qualifies: Clients who made Florida their permanent residence by January 1, 2026 and purchased their property on or before December 31, 2025.

 Why This Matters for Your Clients

  • Immediate Tax Savings – up to $50,000 reduction in assessed value
    • First $25,000 applies to all taxing authorities (including schools).
    • Next $25,000 applies to non-school taxes on property values between $50,000 and $75,000.
  • Assessment Cap Protection – “Save Our Homes”
    • Limits annual assessed value increases to 3% or CPI, whichever is lower; protects long-term homeowners from dramatic tax hikes.
  • Portability of Savings
    • Allows transfer of accumulated Save Our Homes assessment difference to a new Florida homestead.
  • Additional Perks
    • Additional exemptions for seniors, veterans, disabled individuals, and surviving spouses
    • Legal protections for the homestead against most unsecured creditors (not applicable to mortgages, property taxes, HOA liens, or IRS debts).

 How to Help Clients Apply

  1. Confirm the client held legal title and declared Florida residency by January 1, 2026.
  2. Complete Form DR-501 (ORIGINAL APPLICATION FOR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONS) and gather required documents: Florida Driver License/ID with homestead address, proof of ownership (deed/title), Social Security numbers for all owners and spouses, and supporting documents (e.g., voter/vehicle registration, utility bills, Declaration of Domicile).
  3. Submit to the County Property Appraiser’s office by March 1, 2026—online, by mail, or in person depending on the county.
  4. Once approved, remind clients that most exemptions renew automatically annually (unless ownership or use changes).

 Take Action Now

  • Alert qualifying buyers and recent purchasers immediately about the deadline.
  • Share county-specific Property Appraiser links and filing instructions.
  • Offer assistance in gathering documents and verifying eligibility.