Company NMLS #210950 | 
2018 Taxes & Homestead Filing
Homestead Exemption is a tax reduction allowable to homeowners who make their property their permanent residence. If approved, this exemption could reduce the taxable value of your residence by up to $50,000. The first $25,000 of this exemption applies to all taxing authorities. The second $25,000 of exemption excludes School Board taxes and applies to properties with assessed values between $50,000 and $75,000. As a result, the homeowner would enjoy substantial savings on the taxes levied on their property by the various taxing authorities.
The year after a property is granted homestead exemption, its assessed value cannot increase more than 3% per year, or the increase in the consumer price index, whichever is lower. In 2018, the CPI is 2.1%.
Homeowners must file an initial application once they have moved into the property. The Homestead Exemption will be automatically renewed each year and a renewal receipt will be mailed to them as long as NO changes have occurred to their exemption status. (i.e. mailing address, marital status, etc.) It is, however, the responsibility of the owner to notify the Property Appraiser of any change in their exemption status. Florida law requires the filing of a new application when any title change is made.
Seminole County
Website explanation: http://www.scpafl.org/ExemptionInformation#HX
Apply Online: https://hxv2.scpafl.org/HxPreQual.aspx
Save our Homes/Portability (if you owned a home previously in FL and recently sold it)
Portability is the ability to transfer of the savings benefit of the homestead property assessment limitation (defined in FS 193.155, known as “Save Our Homes” (SOH) and described as the dollar difference between market value and assessed value, or the percentage thereof from one existing homestead to another new homestead property.
This web page explains portability and you can get the form online here: http://www.scpafl.org/ExemptionInformation#PORTABILITY
Click here for the form to fill out to apply for Save our Homes portability Form DR-501T
Orange County
Here is the website to file for the homestead exemption online:
http://www.ocpafl.org/exemptions/hx_file.aspx#1 click on the Continue To The Online Application
Save our Homes/Portability (if you owned a home previously in FL and recently sold it)
This website explains the Portability explanation:https://www.ocpafl.org/exemptions/HX_FAQ.aspx#A401212
You must use the form DR-501T and attach it when filing for your homestead exemption. It should all be explained on the website (click on the form number above to get the form)
Volusia County
Click on the link below for the website explaining how to apply for the homestead exemption and the Save Our Homes/Portability benefit (Portability is available if you owned a home in FL and recently sold it)
https://vcpa.vcgov.org/homestead.html
Lake County
Click on the link below for the website explaining how to apply for the homestead exemption and the Save Our Homes/Portability benefit (Portability is available if you owned a home in FL and recently sold it)
https://www.lakecopropappr.com/exemptions.aspx
Brevard County
Click on the link below for the website explaining how to apply for the homestead exemption and the Save Our Homes/Portability benefit (Portability is available if you owned a home in FL that was homesteaded and recently sold it)
Online application for homesteading https://www.bcpao.us/homestead/
Link to explanation of Save Our Homes and the portability of the Save Our Homes benefithttps://www.bcpao.us/caps.aspx?t=portability
Polk County
FILE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION AND OTHER PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS ONLINE
Marsha Faux, Polk County Property Appraiser, urges new homeowners to file for Homestead Exemption for the 2018 tax year. The deadline to file is March 1st.
Online filing is available for Homestead, Senior (Age 65 and older), Widow/Widower, Disability, and Disabled Veteran Exemptions.
Please view the Help Files for online filing instructions. Click here for more information about property tax exemptions.
Osceola County
Click on the link below for the website explaining how to apply for the homestead exemption in Osceola County.
https://ira.property-appraiser.org/homestead/WebForm1.aspx
To apply for Save Our Homes/Portability benefit you have to fill out form DR-501, follow the link below. (Portability is available if you owned a home in FL and recently sold it)
http://property-appraiser.org/propertyappraiser/149-9230-0/portability.cfm