What You Need When Filing for Homestead

by | Mar 22, 2019 | Homestead

To claim 100% coverage, all owners occupying the property as Tenants in Common (i.e., proportional share co-owners) must file on jointly held property. In the case of a married couple (“Tenants by the Entirety”) or Joint Tenants with Right of Survivorship (“JTRS”), any one owner may qualify for 100% coverage — although it is always highly advisable to have all eligible owner-occupants to file.

  1. Proof of Ownership: In general, the recorded Deed or Co-op Proprietary Lease must be held in the name(s) of the individuals applying for Homestead.
  2. If the PROPERTY IS HELD IN A TRUST, NEED EITHER A NOTARIZED CERTIFICATE OF TRUST OR A COMPLETE COPY OF THE TRUST AGREEMENT.
  3. Proof of Permanent Florida Residence — preferably dated prior to January 1 of the tax year for which you are filing.
  4. Florida’s Driver’s License (or — for non-drivers only — a Florida I.D. Card) is REQUIRED.

Note: Must surrender to DMV any out-of-state regular driver’s license. MUST have either of the following:

      1. Florida Voter’s Registration; or
      2. Recorded Declaration of Domicile.
    2. FOR NON-US CITIZENS: MUST have the items listed above AND proof of permanent residency, asylum/parolee status OR proof that you are the parent of a US-born (US Citizen) minor child who resides with you.
  1. If you or your married spouse have a Homestead Exemption in any other county, state or country you will NOT be eligible for a homestead until after you surrender the exemption in that other jurisdiction.

“Granny Flat” Exemption – Taxpayers who build additions onto an existing Homestead or perform extensive renovations to an existing Homestead to provide living quarters for a parent or grandparent may be entitled to a special exemption equal to the amount of the new construction (up to 20% of the homestead value). To be eligible, the property owner must have a Homestead Exemption on the property where the parent or grandparent quarters are constructed.

The construction or reconstruction must be properly permitted and comply with all local land development regulations. Copies of all permits, certificate of occupancy, and plans must be submitted to the Property Appraiser’s Office. Construction or reconstruction must be substantially complete before January 1st of the year in which the reduction is requested.