ORLANDO, Fla. – As the March deadline for the homestead tax exemption approaches, new homeowners are reminded to apply to benefit from potential tax savings.
The exemption, which can significantly reduce property taxes, is automatically renewed for those who have previously applied and continue to own their property. However, those who purchased a home in 2024 must submit their application by the deadline.
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Orange County Property Appraiser Amy Mercado emphasized the importance of the exemption.
“There’s a saving component to this,” Mercado said. “A homestead exemption can provide significant savings to a taxpayer or property owner by potentially saving up to $750 a year in their tax bill.”
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The application process is straightforward, with homeowners encouraged to update their driver’s license and voter registration before applying.
The deadline is typically March 1, but Mercado notes that this year — because March 1 falls on a Saturday — the deadline is extended to March 3.
To qualify, applicants must own and occupy the property as their permanent residence as of Jan. 1.
“They need to be homeowners with legal or equitable title, and they have to live in it as their primary residence,” Mercado explained.
If a homeowner misses the deadline, the exemption will apply to the following tax year, provided all documentation is complete.
For Orange County residents needing assistance, Mercado’s office provides resources and support to help navigate the exemption process.
“The most important thing people should know is, when in doubt, just complete the application, complete the documentation, contact us, and we’d be happy to help,” Mercado said.
She also clarifies a common misconception: “Our office and the tax collectors office get confused all the time,” Mercado said. “We handle the front-end portion of things, like the assessment or the value of the home or business. The tax collector is a partner in that where, after we say what the value is, they send out documentation and a tax bill for that year.”
Missing the deadline can result in missed savings, so homeowners are urged to act promptly.
For more information and assistance, visit your county’s property appraiser website. You can find the Orange County property appraiser here.
