A person who, on January 1, has the legal title or beneficial title in equity to real property in this state and who in good faith makes the property his or her permanent residence or the permanent residence of another or others legally or naturally dependent upon him or her, is entitled to an exemption. Once granted, you are entitled to a reduction of up to $50,000 from the assessed value of your dwelling.
To qualify you must be a permanent resident of Florida as of January 1st of the year in which you apply for the exemption. Florida law does allow new homestead applications to be filed prior to January 1st of the year the exemption is to be effective. However, pre-filed applications will only be accepted after March 1st of each year for the succeeding year.
Florida Statutes allow only one Homestead Exemption per "family unit." This means that anyone applying for the Homestead Exemption in Collier County would not be legally entitled to receive the exemption if they or their spouse are receiving residency-based exemption(s) in another state. This includes veterans and senior citizen exemptions.
New applications for Homestead Exemption for the current year must be made in person prior to March 1st at the Property Appraiser's office or at select locations during the regular homestead filing period. If you move, you must file a new application for homestead at your new residence. It does not automatically transfer.
Please remember, that property owners who are not eligible for the current year but will be eligible for the following year, may pre-file for the exemption any time after March 1st.