Buying or owning a home in Orlando comes with one powerful tax benefit you don’t want to miss: the homestead exemption. If you make your property your permanent residence, you can lower your taxable value and stabilize your tax bill over time. In this guide, you’ll learn who qualifies, how to apply in Orange County, what to prepare, and how Save Our Homes and portability can protect your wallet when you move. Let’s dive in.
What the homestead exemption does
Florida’s homestead exemption reduces the taxable assessed value of your primary residence. The state’s framework provides up to a $50,000 exemption in two parts. The first $25,000 applies to all taxing authorities, including schools. The second portion (up to $25,000) applies to the value above $50,000 and does not apply to school taxes. These rules are established by the Florida Constitution. You can review the constitutional basis in Article VII, Section 6 through the Florida Senate’s resource on the Florida Constitution, Article VII, Section 6.
Your final tax bill is computed by multiplying your taxable value by the combined millage rates in your area. Because millage rates vary by city and taxing authority, your savings will depend on your home’s assessed value and the combined rate for your address.
Who qualifies in Orlando
You may qualify if:
- You own the property and occupy it as your permanent residence by January 1 of the tax year.
- You intend to reside there permanently, supported by steps like updating your Florida driver’s license and voter registration to your Orlando address.
- You are a U.S. citizen or a non-citizen who meets Florida’s permanent residency requirements.
The Orange County Property Appraiser determines eligibility and processes applications. For official instructions and current forms, visit the Orange County Property Appraiser.
Apply by March 1
The standard Florida deadline to file your initial homestead application is March 1 for that tax year. Your homestead status must exist as of January 1. Do not wait until tax bills arrive. File as soon as you move in and establish the home as your permanent residence.
If you miss March 1, contact the property appraiser right away. Late filing policies can be strict, and timely action matters.
How to apply in Orange County
You can file online or in person with the Orange County Property Appraiser. The general sequence is straightforward:
- Complete your closing and ensure the deed is recorded.
- Update your Florida driver’s license or Florida ID to your Orlando address. Also update vehicle registration and voter registration.
- File your homestead application with the property appraiser by March 1. The office provides an online portal and in-person assistance.
- Upload or bring the required documents. Respond promptly if the office requests more information.
What to have ready
Have these items available when you file:
- Proof of ownership, such as a recorded deed or closing statement.
- Government-issued photo ID with your Florida address (Florida driver’s license or Florida ID is recommended).
- Proof of Florida residency and intent to make the property your permanent home, such as vehicle registration, voter registration card, or utility bills.
- Social Security number or last four digits, as requested for identification.
- Any relevant documentation for additional exemptions, such as military orders, disability documentation, or income verification for age or income-based programs.
Document lists can change. Always confirm the current list and filing steps directly with the Orange County Property Appraiser.
Save Our Homes: long-term tax protection
Florida’s Save Our Homes (SOH) cap limits annual increases in the assessed value of a homesteaded property. Each year, the assessed value can increase by the lower of 3 percent or the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index. This cap applies only while the property is your homestead.
The homestead exemption lowers your taxable value. Save Our Homes limits how quickly that assessed value can grow each year. Together, they can provide meaningful stability to your property tax bill over time.
Portability when you move within Florida
If you sell a Florida homestead and establish a new homestead anywhere in the state, you may be able to transfer your accumulated SOH benefit to the new home. This transfer is called portability. It can significantly lower the starting assessed value on your next homestead.
Key points:
- Portability is available only for homestead-to-homestead moves within Florida.
- You typically claim portability when you file the homestead application for your new home.
- You must file a portability claim per the property appraiser’s instructions and provide proof of your prior homestead. Contact the Orange County Property Appraiser for current forms and deadlines.
A quick portability example
Assume your prior homestead had a market value of $475,000 and an assessed value of $375,000. Your accumulated SOH benefit would be $100,000. If you buy a new homestead in Orlando with a just value of $525,000, you may be able to reduce the new assessed value by up to $100,000, subject to the rules that apply when you file your portability claim. Your exact result depends on the calculations and limits in effect when you apply.
For broader background on exemptions and assessment limits, review resources from the Florida Department of Revenue.
Additional exemptions you might qualify for
Beyond the standard homestead exemption, some homeowners qualify for additional benefits:
- Seniors age 65 and older with limited income. Some senior exemptions are income-based and can vary by locality.
- Persons who are totally and permanently disabled or blind. Medical or agency documentation is required.
- Veterans with service-connected disabilities, including potential full exemptions for certain 100 percent service-connected disabilities. Surviving spouses may also have protections in specific cases.
- Widow or widower exemptions and other need-based exemptions. Rules vary by program.
Programs, amounts, and qualifications can change. Confirm eligibility criteria, documentation, and timelines with the Orange County Property Appraiser and review state-level guidance at the Florida Department of Revenue.
How much you might save
Your savings depend on your assessed value, exemptions, and combined millage rate. Here is a simple way to estimate:
- Taxable value = Assessed value – Exemptions
- Estimated tax bill = Taxable value × Combined millage rate
Illustrative example only: If your assessed value is $300,000 and you receive the full $50,000 homestead exemption, your taxable value would be $250,000. If your combined millage rate were 16.5 mills (which equals $16.50 per $1,000 of taxable value), your estimated tax would be about $4,125. Your actual rate will depend on your location and taxing authorities.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Waiting past March 1 to file your initial claim.
- Forgetting to update your driver’s license, vehicle registration, or voter registration to your Orlando address.
- Assuming the exemption happens automatically after you record the deed.
- Moving within Florida and forgetting to file a portability claim.
- Overlooking additional exemptions for seniors, disabled persons, veterans, or surviving spouses.
Appeals and important notices
Each August, you should receive a TRIM notice, which lists your property’s proposed assessed value, exemptions, and combined millage rates for the year. If something looks off, contact the Orange County Property Appraiser first to request a review. If you still disagree after that discussion, you can file an appeal with the county’s Value Adjustment Board by the deadline in your TRIM notice.
Appeal timelines change year to year, so use the dates printed on that year’s TRIM notice.
Next steps for Orlando homeowners
- If you own and occupy your home as of January 1, file your homestead application by March 1.
- Prepare your Florida ID, vehicle registration, voter registration, and proof of ownership.
- If you are moving from another Florida county, ask about portability when you file.
- Explore additional exemptions that may apply to you.
If you plan to buy or sell in Central Florida and want a local perspective on timing and tax planning around your move, our team is here to help. Reach out to Real Estate Connect to get market guidance and to get your instant home valuation.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the homestead exemption in Orlando?
- You may qualify if you own the property, make it your permanent residence by January 1, and file with the Orange County Property Appraiser by March 1.
What documents do I need for my Orange County application?
- Bring proof of ownership, a Florida driver’s license or ID with your Orlando address, vehicle registration, voter registration, and any documents for special exemptions.
How does Save Our Homes protect my tax bill?
- Save Our Homes caps annual assessed value increases to the lower of 3 percent or the CPI percentage change while the property remains your homestead.
Can I transfer my Save Our Homes benefit to a new Orlando home?
- Yes, you can apply for portability to transfer your accumulated SOH benefit from a prior Florida homestead when filing for your new homestead.
What is the deadline to file for homestead in Orange County?
- The standard deadline is March 1 of the tax year, and you must occupy the property as your permanent residence by January 1.
Does the homestead exemption reduce my mortgage or insurance?
- Homestead affects property taxes, not your mortgage terms or insurance, though lower taxes may reduce your monthly escrow payment if taxes are escrowed.
How do I appeal my assessed value if I disagree?
- Start by contacting the Orange County Property Appraiser to request a review, then use the TRIM notice deadlines to file with the Value Adjustment Board if needed.
