Florida Homestead Exemption in Duval: Eligibility and Savings

Buying in Jacksonville and wondering how to lower your property taxes this year? If you recently bought a home in Duval County or plan to soon, the Florida homestead exemption can make a real difference in your annual bill. You want clear steps, real deadlines, and simple examples. This guide explains who qualifies, how the savings work, and exactly how to file in Duval. Let’s dive in.

What the exemption does

The Florida homestead exemption reduces the taxable assessed value of your primary residence. Lower assessed value means lower property taxes. Qualified homeowners also benefit from the Save Our Homes assessment limitation, which slows how fast your assessed value can rise each year.

In Florida, you can claim homestead on only one property at a time. The home must be your permanent primary residence.

Who qualifies in Duval

You qualify if you:

• Own the property and hold legal or equitable title.
• Use the home as your permanent residence on January 1 of the tax year.
• Intend to make it your permanent home.

January 1 is the key date. You must both own and occupy the home as your primary residence on January 1 to receive the exemption for that year. If you close and move in before January 1, you can apply for that year. If you close after January 1, you usually apply the next year.

Simple timing examples

• You close on December 20 and move in. You can apply for the upcoming tax year.
• You close on March 15. You wait and apply for the following tax year.

How much you can save

Florida’s structure typically allows up to a total of $50,000 in homestead exemption value on non-school taxes, with the base portion applying to all taxing authorities and the additional portion applying to assessed value above certain thresholds for non-school levies. The exact savings depend on your assessed value and local millage rates. The exemption reduces taxable value and can meaningfully lower your bill over time.

With Save Our Homes, annual assessed value increases on a qualified homestead are generally capped at the lesser of 3 percent or the change in the Consumer Price Index. This limit helps keep long-term tax growth in check.

Portability if you move in Florida

If you already had a Florida homestead and move to a new Florida home, you may be able to transfer your accumulated Save Our Homes benefit to the new homestead. This is called portability. It requires a separate application and documentation. Check requirements with the Duval County Property Appraiser when you file.

How to apply in Duval

Follow these steps with the Duval County Property Appraiser:

1. Confirm eligibility and timing

• Make sure you owned and lived in the home as your permanent residence on January 1 of the tax year.

2. Gather documents

• Collect proof of ownership and Florida residency documents as of January 1. See the checklist below.

3. Complete the application

• Duval County typically accepts applications online, by mail, and in person. Contact the Duval County Property Appraiser to obtain the current application form and filing options.

4. Submit by the deadline

• File by March 1 of the tax year to be on time. Deadlines and procedures can change, so verify current details with the Property Appraiser.

5. Confirm approval

• Watch for approval or denial notices. Approved exemptions will show on your assessment notice and tax bill.

6. Appeal if needed

• If denied, follow the instructions on your notice. You can work with the Property Appraiser and may file an administrative appeal with the Duval County Value Adjustment Board within listed timeframes.

Document checklist

Have these ready as they apply to you:

• Proof of ownership: recorded deed or final closing statement showing you as owner of record on January 1. If title is in a trust, provide the required trust documentation.
• Proof of Florida residency as of January 1: Florida driver’s license or ID with your Duval address, Florida vehicle registration, Florida voter registration card, Declaration of Domicile, or utility bills showing service at your residence.
• Social Security numbers if requested on specific forms.
• Portability details if moving from another Florida homestead: information about your prior homestead and assessed values.

Deadlines and timing

• Standard filing deadline: March 1 of the tax year.
• You must own and occupy the property as your permanent residence on January 1 to qualify for that year.
• Always confirm the current year’s deadline and any extensions with the Duval County Property Appraiser.

Ownership and title notes

Individual ownership, tenancy by the entireties, and certain revocable living trusts can qualify. Corporate ownership typically does not. If your property is held in a trust, the trustee and beneficiary details must meet statutory requirements. When in doubt, contact the Property Appraiser early to confirm what documents they need.

Common reasons for denial

• Not the owner of record on January 1.
• Not using the home as your primary residence on January 1.
• Missing or incomplete documentation.
• Title held in a non-qualifying form without supporting proof.
• Conflicting claims, such as a homestead filed on another property.

Additional exemptions to explore

You may qualify for other exemptions in Duval County. Programs often include benefits for seniors age 65 and older, people with disabilities, widow or widower exemptions, veteran and surviving spouse exemptions, and others. Each program has specific criteria and required documents. Contact the Duval County Property Appraiser for the current list and forms.

Practical tips for new homeowners

• Plan your move with January 1 in mind if current-year savings are important.
• Update your Florida driver’s license, vehicle registration, and voter registration promptly after moving.
• Keep your recorded deed and closing statement in a safe place. You will likely need them.
• If you moved from another Florida homestead, ask about portability when you apply.
• If your title or situation is complex, talk with the Property Appraiser early to avoid delays.

Looking for local guidance as you buy or settle into a new Jacksonville home? If you have questions about timing your purchase, budgeting for taxes, or coordinating your move, connect with Taquilla Allen for a friendly, step-by-step plan tailored to your goals.

FAQs

If I closed in February in Duval, can I get this year’s homestead?

• No. You must own and occupy the home as your primary residence on January 1 of that tax year, so a February closing typically means you apply the next year.

What proof shows Florida residency for my Duval homestead?

• Common proofs include a Florida driver’s license or ID with your Duval address, Florida vehicle registration, voter registration, a Declaration of Domicile, and utility bills showing service at your address.

Can I claim homestead on two properties in Florida?

• No. Florida allows only one homestead exemption per homeowner at a time, and it must be your permanent primary residence.

Do trusts qualify for the homestead exemption in Duval?

• Certain revocable living trusts can qualify when the owner is the trustee or beneficiary and other requirements are met; provide trust documents as the Property Appraiser requests.

How does Save Our Homes help me over time?

• It limits annual increases to your assessed value for a qualified homestead to the lesser of 3 percent or the CPI change, which can slow tax growth as you own the home longer.

What is portability for Florida homestead?

• Portability lets you transfer your accumulated Save Our Homes benefit from a prior Florida homestead to a new Florida homestead, subject to eligibility and a separate application.