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Saint Lucie West Communities: Lake Charles | PGA | The Vineyards | Heatherwood | Magnolia Lakes | Lake Forest | Lake Forest Point | The Club | The Belmont | Kings Isle 55+ Community | Cascades 55+ Community

If you're new to the Treasure Coast area or moving into a new home in Indian River, Martin, St. Lucie or northern Palm Beach counties, this section contains resources and helpful tips to make your move easier.

<< back Helpful Information

Homestead Tax Exemption

In Florida, $25,000 of the assessed value of your home is exempt from real estate taxes, but you have to meet certain criteria to be eligible for the exemption. First you much have the title or record to your property as of January 1, and reside on the property. You have to be a legal and permanent resident of Florida as of January 1. When applying for the exemption status, bring along a copy of your deed or tax bill, and a Florida county voters registration or Declaration of Domicile. If you drive, you must also bring your Florida driver's license and automobile registration. New applications must be submitted in person at the appraiser's office, but renewals may be done by mail. For further information, consult the County Property Appraiser's Office.

Real Estate Taxes

All residents are subject to county taxes, but each city or special district levies taxes within its boundaries. City, special-district, and county taxes are combined in one tax bill. Real estate taxes are assessed as of January 1 each year. They are due and payable on November 1 and become delinquent if not paid before April 1 of the following year. Florida law holds the taxpayer responsible for receiving and paying tax bills in full. For additional information contact the County Property Appraiser's Office.

Establishing Residency

To establish residency, you may register to vote or file a Declaration of Domicile, which is an affidavit available at the County Courthouse. Filing one copy with the Circuit Court provides a record of your intention to make Florida your home. Simply moving to the State does not guarantee legal residency. For more information contact the County's Clerk of Circuit Court.

Related Links:

St. Lucie County Government
Martin County Government
Palm Beach County Government
Indian River County Government

What is Homestead Exemption?
Florida Law entitles every person, who has legal or equitable title to real estate and maintains it as his/her permanent residence, to apply for a $25,000 homestead property tax exemption. A partial exemption may apply if the ownership of the applicant is less than 100%.

Am I eligible to file?
You must meet the following requirements as of January 1st:

Have legal or beneficial title to the property, recorded in the Official Records of County
Residency on the property
Be a permanent resident of the State of Florida
Be a United States citizen or possess a Permanent Residence Card (green card)

When do I file?
The deadline to file an application for exemption is March 1st. Under Florida law, failure to file for any exemption by March 1st constitutes a waiver of the exemption privilege for the year.
Regular filing is January 2nd - March 1st.
Pre-filing for the coming year is March 2nd - December 31st.

How do I file?
Take copies of the required documentation to our Exemption Department:

Main Office
2300 Virginia Ave. Ft.Pierce
FL 34982

St.Lucie West Office
St.Lucie West Annex Building
250 NW Country Club Dr.

Port St.Lucie Office
Walton Road Annex Building
1664 SE Walton Rd.

Telephone
(772) 462-1000

Please Note: Your application is not complete until you receive a receipt back from the Property Appraiser's Office. Please allow 4-6 weeks for processing.