Florida Homestead Exemption 2025: What You Need to Know

If you own a home in Florida, you probably love the sunshine, but here’s something else to love—big tax savings. Thanks to the Florida Homestead Exemption, homeowners can cut down their property taxes and lock in long-term benefits. But don’t wait too long—the deadline to apply is March 1st, 2025.

What’s the Florida Homestead Exemption?

Simply put, this exemption reduces how much of your home’s value gets taxed, saving you up to $50,000 in taxable value. Plus, Florida has a Save Our Homes cap, meaning your home's taxable value can’t go up more than 3% per year or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower, even if home prices skyrocket.

New for 2025: Amendment 5

A new update for 2025, Amendment 5 makes the extra $25,000 exemption for home values between $50,000 and $75,000 adjust for inflation every year. This change means additional tax relief over time, helping homeowners keep pace with rising costs.

Do You Qualify?

Most homeowners do, as long as they:

• Own their home as of January 1st, 2025
• Live there as their primary residence (more than half the year)
• Apply by March 1st, 2025

How Much Can You Save?

Here’s the breakdown:

• The first $25,000 of your home’s value is completely tax-free, including school taxes.
• The next $25,000 is taxed normally.
• The extra $25,000 exemption (for home values between $50,000 and $75,000) applies only to non-school taxes.
• Starting in 2025, this extra exemption will increase each year based on inflation.

How to Apply

Applying is easy and free. Just file a DR-501 form with your county’s property appraiser before March 1st, 2025. Applications can be submitted online through the county property appraiser’s website, by mail, or in person at the property appraiser’s office.

If you’re in Pinellas County, you can start your application here: Pinellas County Homestead Exemption Filing.

Lock in Your Savings Now

If you own a home in Florida, don’t miss out on this tax break. It’s a simple way to save money and keep your property taxes manageable for years to come.