How To Apply

How to file your homestead exemption application:

All applicants must complete the application, either by mail, in person, or online by March 1st. Mailed applications need to be postmarked on or before March 1st. If you are prevented from timely filing due to extenuating circumstances, you may file a late application with documentation explaining the reason for late filing.

File Online

Start Your Application

File In Person

To apply in person, our office locations are as follows:

File By Mail

To print a homestead application and send via mail:

• You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader 3.0 or higher to access and print this form.
• When applying for homestead exemption, all owners who reside on the property must submit legible copies of the homestead exemption requirement documents noted below:
  1. Florida driver's license.  If you don't drive, a Florida ID card.
  2. Florida vehicle registration, if you own or drive a vehicle in Florida (including leased vehicles).
  3. Florida voter's information card or a signed voter affidavit.
  4. Social security card OR a document with your number on it (i.e. income tax return).  You must submit your spouse's social security number, even if they do not own the property. 
  5. If you are not a U.S. citizen and have a permanent resident card, you may qualify for homestead exemption.  Please bring bring in your permanent resident card.  
  6. Owners who have transferred the interest of their residential property into a trust must have a "Trust Certificate" completed by their attorney.  The Property Appraiser must be able to determine who has current beneficial interest in the trust in order to determine who may be eligible to qualify for homestead exemption.  This form is available in our office or on our website.
• Fill out your application, then mail it to this address:

Property Appraiser
ATTN: Exemption Department
3473 SE Willoughby Blvd., Suite 101
Stuart, FL 34994

• Each applicant must also complete and sign the "Residency Affidavit" that prints with the homestead exemption application you have downloaded.

To obtain a signed copy of your original application, please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope. A copy of your application, signed by this office, will provide proof that your application was received.

   CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD APPLICATION

 Florida Statute Update for Homestead Exemption Filing Deadlines:

Please be advised that Florida Statute 196.011(8) states any applicant who is qualified to receive any exemption under subsection (1) and who fails to file an application by March 1, must file an application for the exemption with the property appraiser on or before the 25th day following the mailing by the property appraiser of the notices required under s. 194.011(1) ("Notice of Proposed Property Taxes"). The property appraiser may grant the late filed applications if she feels the applicant would have qualified had they filed a timely application.

However, if the applicant fails to produce sufficient evidence demonstrating the applicant was unable to apply for the exemption in a timely manner or otherwise demonstrating extenuating circumstances as judged by the property appraiser, the applicant may file, pursuant to s. 194.011(3), a petition with the value adjustment board requesting that the exemption be granted. Such petition must be filed during the taxable year on or before the 25th day following the mailing of the notice by the property appraiser as provided in s. 194.011(1) "Notice of Proposed Property Taxes".