FILING FOR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION:

The State of Florida allows a property tax exemption of $50,000 for a home. This exemption is allowed only on your primary residence.

ll applicants must file an application in-office or online for homestead exemption.

A person who, on January 1, has legal title or beneficial title in equity to real property in the State of Florida and who in good faith makes the property his or her permanent residence is eligible. The deed or instrument granting ownership to the property must be recorded in the official records of Bay County. Property owners must apply for the Homestead and other selected tax exemptions in person.

The following documentation is required, along with the in-office Homestead application:

Recorded with the Clerk of Circuit Court evidence of ownership i.e., deed, contract, etc…
Social security numbers for all owners
Valid Florida Driver’s License or Florida Identification Card with updated address
All current State of Florida Vehicle Registrations with updated address

Additional proof of residency can be:

Voter Registration Card or Declaration of Domicile

In addition to the information above, be prepared to answer and provide proof for the following:

What is the physical address of the property?
Did you have legal or beneficial title to the property on January 1?
What date did you begin to claim the property as your primary residence?
Do you have a valid Florida Driver’s License or Florida Identification Card and additional proof of residency with the property address?
What is your Citizenship status? Are you a US Citizen? If you are not a US Citizen, please provide a copy of your unexpired Permanent Resident Card.
What is your social security number? What is your spouse’s social security number?
Did you have a homestead exemption, in the State of Florida, anytime during the 2 previous tax years?

For more information about applying for homestead exemption, call the Bay County Property Appraiser's Office. The phone number is 850-248-8401.

If you have any questions you can also reach out to me and I will assist you in any way I can.

April Davis, MRP Realtor

Coldwell Banker Carroll Realty

850-774-7221

[email protected]

About the Author

April Davis

Congratulations!! You have found The Agent who truly believes in treating others the way she would want to be treated. I was NOT born a Bay County resident; I'm a transplant from Georgia. This actually gives me a bit of an edge in seeing things through the vision of a newcomer. This edge is the fact that I've done all the research and traveling to find the attractions, benefits, events and a wealth of other information most new arrivals to beautiful Bay County are seeking to find. I will walk that mile (or more) with YOU to find YOUR IDEAL IMAGE HOME. Although each of us has different wishes for our homes, we can all agree that we want it to be "A place of refuge, comfort, hope, memories and happiness". I know Bay County extensively and I'm familiar with being in the military "family". I am an extremely proud Retired Air Force spouse. My motto as your agent is: "It is my mission to treat YOU as I would desire to be treated". I would like to help you with full integrity, on a timely basis and with positively your best interest at heart. If you are currently a Bay County resident and wish to sell or purchase a home, please consider my services as well...because; that same integrity used for newcomers will be exactly the same for locals!