Instructions to Renew or Cancel an Exemption

As long as you continue to be eligible for the Homestead Exemption on your current property, it will be automatically renewed each year. If you are no longer entitled to a property exemption, you must notify the Property Appraiser's office. As a reminder, we mail you a Renewal Receipt card every January. If you are no longer entitled to a property exemption, you must complete the required information on the card, sign it and return it to our office.
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You are not eligible for a Homestead Exemption if:

  • You are no longer a permanent resident of Florida
  • Property is no longer your primary residence
  • Ownership has changed
  • Property is rented
  • Owner is deceased

Florida law prescribes that it is the owner’s responsibility to inform the Appraiser of any changes in ownership or use of the property.  Such changes may affect the exemption.  If the Appraiser is not notified and you were not entitled to the exemption in the last 10 years, the property is subject to back taxes plus 15 % interest per year plus a 50% penalty.  §196.131 and 196.161 Florida Statutes

Exemptions are not transferable or inheritable.  If a transfer of title has occurred on the property, the previous owner’s exemption will terminate at year end.  It is your responsibility to file a new application by March 1 of the current tax year.  If you are applying for a Homestead Exemption on a new property or for a personal exemption such as widow, widower, veteran’s or disability exemption for the first time, you must apply in person at one of the Property Appraiser’s offices. 

The Widow and Widower exemptions will be automatically renewed unless your marital status has changed.  If you remarry, you must notify the Property Appraiser’s office.

The Disability exemption will be automatically renewed unless you are no longer disabled.  If your medical status has changed, you must notify the Property Appraiser’s office.

The Veteran exemption will be automatically renewed.  However, if the spouse, who is entitled to the exemption, passes away, you must come into the Property Appraiser’s office to sign a form to continue the Veteran exemption benefits.

The Blind or Total and Permanent Disability exemption, based on limited income, is automatically renewed annually. However, since these exemptions are based on income, proof of income must be provided annually to the Property Appraiser by March 1.    Please call our office at (941) 861-8200, for more details. 

The Senior exemption is based on limited income and must be applied for annually.  If you received this exemption last year, in February of each year, you will receive a letter with instructions and a new application form. Complete the form and return it to our office by March 1.  If you file an IRS Tax Return, a copy of the first page of your return showing proof of income is required by June 1.  If you are applying for this exemption for the first time, please call our office at (941) 861-8200, for more information. 

The Organization exemption will be automatically renewed as long as your organization continues to be eligible for this exemption.  However, it is your organization’s responsibility to notify the Property Appraiser’s office if your non-profit status has changed.  As an annual reminder, a Renewal Receipt card is mailed in January of each year.  If your organization is no longer entitled to the exemption, complete the required information on the card, sign it and return it to our office by March 1.


Last Update 04/25/10