Florida Homestead Exemption & Save Our Homes

File Florida Form DR-501 homestead & Save Our Homes with your Property Appraiser (often by March 1). Keep VAB petitions separate; use portability (DR-501T) only when you move.

Florida’s homestead exemption and Save Our Homes (SOH) assessment limitation apply to a qualifying primary residence. File Form DR-501 (and any county supplements) with your county Property Appraiser—not with the Value Adjustment Board.

Most counties expect homestead applications by March 1 for the tax year you want the exemption (confirm your Property Appraiser’s exact deadline and late-file rules). Missing the window can delay benefits until a later year.

SOH limits how fast assessed value can rise on a homesteaded home (commonly described as 3% or CPI, whichever is lower, under current law). Check Florida Department of Revenue guidance for the annual SOH percentage—do not assume last year’s CPI figure applies forever.

Florida Save Our Homes and other exemptions are filed with your Property Appraiser — separate from a VAB value petition.

A VAB petition (Form DR-486) challenges whether just value exceeds market evidence. Homestead/SOH filings lower or cap taxable assessed value on a qualifying home. You can pursue both in the same year when facts support it—but use the correct form and office for each.

If you sold a Florida homestead and bought another in-state, portability (Form DR-501T with your new homestead application) may transfer part of your accumulated SOH benefit (up to the statutory cap under current law). That mover workflow is covered in our portability guide—keep this page focused on establishing and keeping the base homestead/SOH.

FAQ

Where do I file a Florida homestead exemption?

File Form DR-501 with your county Property Appraiser for the home that is your permanent Florida residence. Homestead and Save Our Homes are not filed with the Value Adjustment Board.

When is the Florida homestead filing deadline?

Most counties expect applications by March 1 for the tax year you want the exemption. Confirm the exact date and any late-file options with your county Property Appraiser or Florida Department of Revenue materials.

How is Save Our Homes different from a VAB petition?

Save Our Homes limits annual increases in assessed value on a homesteaded home (commonly 3% or CPI, whichever is lower, under current law). A VAB petition (Form DR-486) challenges whether just value on your TRIM notice exceeds market evidence. They are separate processes.

When should I use the Florida portability guide instead?

Use portability (Form DR-501T) when you move from one Florida homestead to another and want to transfer accumulated Save Our Homes benefit. This homestead guide covers establishing and keeping the base exemption/SOH on your current home.

Can I claim homestead and still file a VAB petition?

Yes. Exemptions and just-value petitions solve different problems. File homestead/SOH with the Property Appraiser and, if needed, DR-486 with the VAB within the TRIM deadline window.