How To File for Homestead Exemption in Tallahassee, Florida

The Deadline for Filing for Homestead Exemption is March 1st!

What is Homestead Exemption?

In the State of Florida, homestead exemption is a property tax deduction. The Florida Constitution allows homeowners an exemption of $25,000 in the assessed value of a property. Also, an additional $25,000 exemption on Non-school taxes for valuations between $50,000 and $75,000. These exemptions are significant savings for homeowners.

Homeowners in Tallahassee, FL need to file for this exemption in the Leon County Property Appraiser’s office annex building which is in the Bank of America building, (3rd floor), behind the Leon County Courthouse. This can be done during the weekdays and in February from 10am – 2pm on Saturdays.

What to bring? You should bring the social security numbers for all applicants ( both husband and wife must apply), and two forms of proof of Florida residency, such as driver’s license, vehicle tag registration, or voter’s registration.

Once you obtain homestead exemption, you do not need to reapply. You will keep your exemption until you sell the property or move to another primary residence.

There are other exemptions such as for widows, widowers, and certain disability exemptions. See Eligibility Requirements to qualify for homestead exemptions.

Property assessments are derived from a formula based on income, sales value.and market value and are made on January 1. Annually, generally during the latter part of August, each property owner is mailed a Notice of Proposed Property Taxes indicating their value and proposed taxes. Taxpayers have 25 days to informally confer with property appraiser’s staff regarding this value. If there is a dispute that cannot be resolved, the taxpayer may file a petition with the Value Adjustment Board seeking relief. Forms are available in the property appraiser’s office or online.

If your property’s market value is greater than what you reasonably believe you can sell it for, then contact the Leon County Property Appraiser’s Office at 488-6102. Many properties are undergoing review due to market declines in the last few years. Each year values can change. The Property Appraiser’s valuations are audited each year by the Florida Department of Revenue.

If you have questions on property taxes, contact the Leon County Property Appraiser’s office.