Frequently Asked Questions

Homestead Exemption Questions

Where do I file for Homestead Exemption?

All persons seeking homestead exemption must complete an original application (Form DR-501).  The application must be signed and filed in person.

Applications may be filed at any of the Monroe County Property Appraisers offices which are located at:

  If you have any questions, please contact the office nearest you.

When can I file for Homestead Exemption?

The normal filing time for homestead exemption begins on January 1 and lasts through March 1. All exemption applications for that year must be filed by March 1.

Failure to apply on or before March 1, according to law, is a waiver of the exemption privilege for that year. 

Can I pre-file my Homestead Exemption, and if so, when?

If you have purchased, constructed or moved to a new or existing residence, you may file a Homestead Exemption application for the next calendar year.  These applications may be filed after March 1.  You must bring the documents to prove ownership & Florida residency as requested on the what to bring page.  PLEASE NOTE: These applicants will receive an Automatic Renewal Receipt Card the following January. If there is any change in the use of the property or the applicants status as a resident, the card must be filled out and returned.  Otherwise the renewal will be automatic.

You may Pre-File for Homestead for the next calendar year from March 2^nd through December 31^st.

Can I file for Homestead Exemption if I own a Mobile Home?

Mobile home owners may qualify if you own the land under your mobile home and your mobile home is titled in identical names as the land ownership.  You may declare it to be a permanent structure and make a one-time purchase of an RP tag for this unit. Therefore, the unit will be included on the real estate tax roll and no further license tag fee is required.

Do I have to File a Homestead Exemption every year?

If there is NO change of residency or ownership on that property currently receiving exemptions, this office will automatically renew the same exemptions for the upcoming year.

Can I transfer my Exemption from one property to another?

Homestead Exemption does not transfer from property to property, or from county to county. If you had the exemption in the previous year and moved to another property, you must file an application for the new (current) residence. You must also notify the Property Appraiser to cancel the exemptions on your former home. If you bought property during the previous year, the tax bill for that year may show the previous owners exemption.

Is there any appeal if I miss the deadline for filing?

Yes. You must file an appeal with the Value Adjustment Board and a late application for homestead exemption at the property appraiser's office in person*. The deadline for filing is set by law -- on or before the 25th day following the mailing of the notice of proposed property taxes (T.R.I.M. notice). This date usually falls in early September. You may call our office to confirm the deadline date.

Approval or denial of the late application is determined by the Value Adjustment Board. This panel will hear your reasons for not filing in a timely manner and make a determination whether or not your application can be approved for that tax year.
*There is a filing fee associated with the appeal.

What if the Property is in a Trust?

For the purpose of homestead exemption, if the property is to be held in a Trust, the possessory right in the real property is set forth in 196.041 (2) Florida Statute will be required to be in a written instrument granting a beneficial interest for life which must be furnished to this office.  The items below must reflect the legal description of the property on which you reside. This can be accomplished by: 

1. Supply this office with a copy of your Trust, which will be reviewed by our legal counsel and if he finds further paperwork is needed we will notify you in writing.  

2. Submit to this office a Memorandum of Trust.

Do I have to be a citizen to qualify?

Citizenship is not required to file for homestead exemption. An applicant who is not a U.S. citizen must present a resident alien card (green card) when they apply.