Free Guide

File your Homestead Exemption yourself

Everything you need. 20 minutes. $0. No catch.
If you'd rather we handle it, check your property and we'll file for $99.

1

Check if you qualify

You qualify for Florida's Homestead Exemption if:

  • You own the property — your name is on the deed
  • It's your primary residence — where you live permanently, not a rental or vacation home
  • You're a Florida resident — you have a Florida driver's license or state ID
  • You haven't already filed — check your property appraiser's website to verify

Verify your status: Go to your county property appraiser's website, search your address, and look for "Homestead Exemption" under exemptions. If it shows $0 or isn't listed, you haven't filed.

Hillsborough County Property Search →
2

Gather your documents

You'll need three things:

  • Florida driver's license or state ID — must show the property address (or bring proof of address change)
  • Vehicle registration — showing FL registration at the property address
  • Social Security number — for you and your spouse (if applicable). Used for verification, not displayed publicly.

Optional but helpful:

  • Recorded deed or closing statement
  • Voter registration showing the property address
3

Fill out Form DR-501

The DR-501 is the official Florida Homestead Exemption application. It's one page. Download it from the Florida Department of Revenue:

Download Form DR-501 (PDF) →

Key fields:

  • Section 1: Your name, SSN, and property address
  • Section 2: Legal description (found on your deed or property appraiser website)
  • Section 3: Sign and date

If you're also applying for portability (transferring SOH benefit from a previous FL home), also fill out Form DR-501TS.

4

Submit to your County Property Appraiser

Three ways to submit:

  • Online: Many counties accept electronic filing. Check your county PA website.
  • In person: Bring your completed form and documents to the Property Appraiser's office.
  • By mail: Mail the signed form with copies of your documents.

Deadline: March 1

You must file by March 1 of the tax year you want the exemption to take effect. If you miss it, you can file a late application through the Value Adjustment Board (petition deadline ~September), but it's harder. Don't miss March 1.

5

Confirm it's active

After filing, check your county property appraiser's website in April/May. Your property record should show the Homestead Exemption amount ($25,000 + additional $25,000). Your TRIM notice (mailed in August) will reflect the reduced taxable value.

You only file once. The exemption renews automatically every year as long as you continue to own and live in the home. You do NOT need to refile annually.

How much will you save?

The Homestead Exemption removes up to $50,000 from your taxable value:

  • First $25,000: exempt from all property taxes (county, city, school, special districts)
  • Next $25,000 ($50K-$75K of assessed value): exempt from non-school taxes only

At typical Hillsborough County millage rates (~19.84 mills), that saves approximately $992/year. Other counties vary between $800-$1,050 depending on local millage rates.

Save Our Homes cap: Once homesteaded, your assessed value can only increase by 3% per year (or CPI, whichever is less) — even if your market value jumps 20%. Over 10 years, this compounds into tens of thousands of dollars in additional savings.

Don't want to deal with paperwork?

We'll handle the entire filing for $99. Check your property first — it's free.