Were You Shocked by Your Property Tax Bill? Here’s How the Florida Homestead Exemption Can Help
By Sean Ellman, Realtor®
If you recently opened your Pinellas County property tax bill, you might have been surprised by how high it was this year. You’re not alone — many homeowners are feeling the same way.
But here’s an important question: Are you taking advantage of Florida’s Homestead Exemption?
This valuable benefit can save you hundreds of dollars each year on your property taxes — and if you’ve made your Florida home your primary residence, you may qualify right now.
What Is the Florida Homestead Exemption?
The Homestead Exemption is a property tax benefit for Florida homeowners who make their property their permanent residence as of January 1 of the tax year. It reduces your home’s assessed value for tax purposes by up to $50,722, which often means a savings of $500 to $1,000 each year.
Here’s how it works:
The first $25,000 of your home’s assessed value is exempt from all property taxes.
The next $25,722 applies to the portion between $50,000 and $75,000, but excludes school taxes.
✅ Example:
If your home’s assessed value is $75,000 or more, you’ll receive the full $50,722 exemption.
If your home is assessed at $65,000, you’d receive a total exemption of $40,000 ($25,000 + a prorated $15,000).
How to Apply
You can apply online or in person at the Pinellas County Property Appraiser’s Office.
🗓️ Deadline: March 1 each year for the tax year you want to qualify.
It’s best to apply as soon as you’ve purchased, occupied, and established your Florida home as your primary residence.
If you bought your home after January 1, any Homestead Exemption listed on your Notice of Proposed Property Taxes (TRIM Notice) likely belonged to the previous owner — and will expire on December 31. To receive your own exemption for the following year, you must file a new application before the deadline.
👉 Apply or learn more here: Pinellas County Property Appraiser – Homestead Exemption
Renewal and Keeping Your Exemption
Once approved, your Homestead Exemption will automatically renew each year as long as you continue to own and live in the property as your permanent home.
Each January, you’ll receive a renewal notice confirming your exemption.
You should contact the Property Appraiser’s Office if any of the following occur:
You sell or rent out the property
You change ownership or add/remove someone from the deed
You move and no longer use the home as your primary residence
Failure to report changes can result in back taxes or penalties, so it’s important to stay current.
What You’ll Need to Apply
When applying, bring proof of Florida residency and eligibility for all owners and spouses:
Florida driver’s license and vehicle registration
Voter registration card or Permanent Resident Card
Social Security numbers for all owners and spouses
Death certificate (if applying for widow/widower exemption)
Disability certification, if applicable
If you currently claim a residency-based property tax exemption in another state, you’ll need to show proof that it’s been removed before applying in Florida.
Why It Matters for Homeowners
Besides saving money each year, the Homestead Exemption also provides protection under Florida’s Save Our Homes cap, which limits how much your assessed value can increase annually. This helps keep your property taxes stable even as home values continue to rise in Pinellas County.
So if your latest tax bill caught you off guard, this is the perfect time to double-check your exemption status. It could make a real difference in next year’s bill.
About the Author
Sean Ellman, Realtor® – Century 21 Beggins Enterprises
Your trusted real estate expert in Pinellas County, Florida
📞 Cell: 727-717-0440
📧 Email: seanellman@c21be.com
🌐 Website: BUYTHESAND.com
If you have questions about buying, selling, or anything real estate related, I’d love to help. Let’s make sure you’re getting every benefit you deserve as a homeowner here in the Sunshine State.