Where were you on January 1, 2007? If you moved into a new home, this information could save you hundreds of dollars: “Every person who has legal or equitable title to real property in the State of Florida and who resides on the property on January 1 and in good faith makes it his or her permanent home is eligible for a homestead exemption” (http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/property/exemptions.html).
In addition to the homestead exemption, you may qualify for other exemptions. Senior citizens may qualify based on age and income. If you are a widow or a widower there is an additional exemption available. Disabled veterans and the surviving spouse of a disabled veteran can qualify for as much as a complete exemption from all property tax owed, depending on the degree of the disability and income. Other disabled people may qualify for an exemption as well.
The law is very specific as to qualifications and documentation, so be sure to have your records in order when you apply. You need to be able to prove you are a Florida resident. A Florida driver license or a car registered in Florida can serve as proof. Your children's school enrollment or your voter registration may be suitable if you do not drive or own a car. Social Security numbers will be needed as well. If you qualify, you can save $517 this year and maybe even more.
To file for homestead exemption, Leon County residents need to go in person to the Leon County Property Appraiser's office. Applications are being accepted throughout February; the deadline is March 1, 2007. The new office is easy to find in the Courthouse Annex at 315 South Calhoun Street, Third Floor, behind the Leon County Courthouse. While you are there you can update your voter registration. This month, you can also file at one of several conveniently located satellite offices which will be operating around town; you can even apply on Saturdays at the Tallahassee Mall. Check with the Appraiser's Office at 488-6102 or visit http://www.leonpa.org/ for more information.
Written by: Robby Turner, CLG, CRS, GRI, Robby Turner Realty TBR President