WHY APPLY FOR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION IN FLORIDA?

Applying for a Homestead Exemption in Florida is one of the most valuable steps a homeowner can take — it provides significant property tax savings and important legal protections. Here’s why it matters:

1. Reduces Your Property Taxes

The main reason to apply is to lower your annual property tax bill.

• Florida’s Homestead Exemption allows you to exempt up to $50,000 of your home’s assessed value from property taxes:
  • The first $25,000 applies to all property taxes (including school taxes).
  • The second $25,000 applies to the portion of assessed value between $50,000 and $75,000 (excluding school taxes).

Example:
If your home’s assessed value is $250,000, you could be taxed as if it’s worth $200,000 — saving several hundred dollars per year.

2. Caps Future Increases (“Save Our Homes” Benefit)

Once you’ve received the Homestead Exemption, your home also qualifies for the Save Our Homes (SOH) cap, which:

• Limits increases in your home’s assessed value to 3% per year or the rate of inflation (whichever is lower).
• This protects you from big property tax jumps as your neighborhood’s market values rise.

3. Provides Legal Protection

The Florida Constitution gives homesteaded properties strong protection from forced sale:

• Creditors generally cannot force the sale of your homestead to satisfy debts (with a few exceptions like mortgages, taxes, or contractors’ liens).
• This makes your primary residence one of the most protected assets under Florida law.

4. Portability of Tax Savings

If you move within Florida, you can transfer (“port”) up to $500,000 of your “Save Our Homes” tax savings to your new home.
This helps you keep your lower tax base even when buying a more expensive property.

5. It’s Easy and Free

You can apply online or in person at your county property appraiser’s office.

• Deadline: March 1 of the year you want the exemption to take effect.
• Requirements: You must own and occupy the home as your permanent residence as of January 1 of that year.

HOW TO GET HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION IN COLLIER COUNTY / NAPLES:

Eligibility Requirements (Collier County)

To qualify in Collier County, you must meet certain criteria and provide documentation. Some key requirements:

1. Ownership & Title
   You must hold legal or equitable title to the property as of January 1. 
2. Permanent Residence / Domicile
   The home must be your permanent residence as of January 1 of the tax year for which you are applying. You must not claim a residence-based exemption in another state.
3. Proof of Legal Residence
   You’ll need to provide documents such as:
   • Evidence of ownership (deed, tax receipt, etc.) 
   • Social Security numbers (for applicant and spouse) 
   • Collier County voter registration (if you vote) with date prior to January 1 
   • Florida driver’s license (or ID) dated prior to January 1 
   • Florida vehicle registration dated prior to January 1 
   • Optional: Declaration of Domicile filed with the Clerk before January 1
   • If your property is held in trust, a full copy of the trust agreement
   • If non-U.S. citizen, a resident alien card (green card)
4. No Other State Exemptions
   Florida law allows only one homestead exemption per “family unit.” If you or your spouse receive a residency-based exemption in another state, you may be disqualified in Florida. 

How and When to Apply (in Collier County)

• Deadline: New applications must be filed in person by March 1 of the year in which the exemption is to take effect. 
• Pre-filing: If you will be eligible in the coming year, you may pre-file after March 1 for the next tax year.
• Where to file: You must file your application in person at the Collier County Property Appraiser’s office (or at select locations during the homestead filing period).
• If you move within Collier County, you must file a new application for your new residence; the exemption doesn’t automatically transfer. 

What You Should Do

1. Gather required documents (proof of ownership, driver’s license, voter registration, vehicle registration, SSNs, etc.)
2. Visit the Collier County Property Appraiser’s office (or designated location) before March 1
3. Submit the application (often Form DR-501 is used for homestead and related exemptions)
4. If approved, the exemption will apply to your property tax assessment for that year and onward (unless disqualified)

CLICK THIS LINK FOR COLLIER COUNTY HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION INFORMATION