Florida Homestead Exemption 2026: What Homeowners Need to Know
If you own and live in a home in Florida, the Homestead Exemption is one of the most valuable benefits available to you as a homeowner. It can significantly reduce your annual property tax bill, but only if you apply on time.
For the 2026 tax year, the deadline to file for the Florida Homestead Exemption is March 2, 2026. Missing this deadline means losing out on an entire year of potential tax savings.
What Is the Florida Homestead Exemption?
The Florida Homestead Exemption lowers the taxable value of your primary residence, which directly reduces how much you pay in property taxes each year.
For eligible homeowners, this exemption can provide substantial savings and long-term tax protection, especially as home values continue to rise across South Florida.
Once approved, the exemption typically renews automatically each year as long as you continue to own and live in the home as your primary residence.
Who Qualifies for the Homestead Exemption?
To qualify for the Florida Homestead Exemption, you must meet all of the following requirements:
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You own the property
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The property is your permanent primary residence
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You occupied the home as of January 1, 2026
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You submit your application by March 2, 2026
Only one property per owner can receive the Homestead Exemption, and it must be your full-time residence, not a second home or investment property.
Important Homestead Exemption Dates for 2026
These are the key dates Florida homeowners should mark on their calendar:
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January 1, 2026
You must own and occupy the home as your permanent residence by this date. -
March 2, 2026
Final deadline to file for the 2026 Homestead Exemption in Miami-Dade and Broward County.
Applying early is always recommended to avoid last-minute issues or missing documentation.
How to Apply for the Homestead Exemption in Miami-Dade County
Miami-Dade County homeowners can apply online through the Property Appraiser’s Office.
Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser Homestead Information
https://www.miamidadepa.gov/pa/exemption/homestead.page
Miami-Dade Online Filing Portal
https://apps.miamidadepa.gov/PA.OnlineExemptions
You will typically need proof of ownership and Florida residency, such as a Florida driver’s license, voter registration, or vehicle registration showing the property address.
How to Apply for the Homestead Exemption in Broward County
Broward County homeowners can also apply online through the Broward County Property Appraiser.
Broward County Property Appraiser Homestead Exemption Portal
https://web.bcpa.net/bcpaclient/#/HomesteadExemption
Broward County strongly encourages online filing, which is the fastest and most efficient way to submit your application.
Why the Homestead Exemption Matters
Beyond immediate tax savings, the Homestead Exemption offers additional long-term benefits for Florida homeowners:
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Lower annual property tax bills
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Protection under Florida’s Save Our Homes assessment cap
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Increased financial stability as property values rise
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Eligibility for additional exemptions such as senior, veteran, or disability benefits
For many homeowners, this exemption becomes one of the most important tools for managing the true cost of homeownership in Florida.
Final Thoughts
If you purchased a home recently or have never applied for the Homestead Exemption, now is the time to take action. Filing before March 2, 2026 ensures you do not miss out on valuable tax savings for the upcoming year.
If you are unsure whether you qualify or need help understanding how this impacts your overall real estate plans, working with a local expert can make the process much easier.
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