What is the Florida homestead exemption and how do I apply?

Florida homestead exemption, what it is and how to apply

Updated: November 5, 2026

Short answer

It's a reduction in your main home's taxable value that lowers your property taxes: up to $51,411 in 2026, and the assessed value can't rise more than 3% a year. Under Amendment 3, passed November 3, 2026, the non-school part rises to up to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028 for people who were Florida residents by December 31, 2026. You must own and live in the home on January 1 and apply with your county Property Appraiser by March 1 of that year.

How much it saves

The first $25,000 of assessed value pays no property tax at all, school taxes included.
Another $26,411 (2026 figure; since 2025 it's adjusted for inflation each year) comes off value above $50,000, for non-school taxes only. Up to $51,411 in all.
From 2027 the non-school part rises under Amendment 3. See the last section.

The Save Our Homes cap

After your first homestead year, your home's assessed value can't rise more than 3% a year, or less if inflation was lower. Even when the market jumps, your taxes rise slowly.

Portability

If you sell and buy another main home in Florida within three years, you can carry up to $500,000 of your accumulated savings with you. You apply along with the new home's homestead.

When and how to apply

You must own the home and live in it as your permanent residence on January 1. The application is due March 1 of that year. Example: buy in October 2026, live there on January 1, 2027, and apply by March 1, 2027.

Polk and Osceola appraisers accept applications online. They usually ask for:

The deed in your name.
A Florida driver license or ID with the home's address.
Florida vehicle registration, if you have a vehicle.
Voter registration at that address, if you're registered.

Ask the appraiser's office which documents apply to you.

What makes you lose it

Renting out the home, moving to another main residence, or claiming residency in another state. Claiming it without being entitled brings penalties and interest.

Amendment 3, passed November 3, 2026

Florida voters passed Amendment 3 with 62% of the vote, according to unofficial results (it needed 60%). It changes the homestead exemption starting January 1, 2027:

School taxes: the exemption stays at $25,000.
Non-school taxes: up to $150,000 in 2027 and up to $250,000 in 2028. From 2029 it's adjusted for inflation each year.
Who gets the larger amount: owners who were permanent Florida residents by December 31, 2026. If you were a resident by then and buy later, you get it when you apply for homestead.
If you become a Florida resident on or after January 1, 2027: you start with up to $50,000 for non-school taxes (adjusted for inflation from 2028) and move to the larger amount on January 1 of your fifth year, after four years with homestead.
Unchanged: the Save Our Homes 3% cap, portability, and the widow/widower, senior, veteran and disability exemptions.
Non-homestead homes (rentals, for example): the cap on assessed-value increases drops from 10% to 5% a year, for non-school taxes only.

2026 tax bills don't change. The change first shows on the August 2027 TRIM notice and the November 2027 bill. The Legislature can still set details by law, and each local government sets its rate every year, so each home's savings depend on its value and location. I'll update this guide when the state publishes the details.