Buying a home in Tampa and wondering how to cut your property tax bill? If you plan to live in the home full time, Florida’s homestead exemption can deliver meaningful savings and long-term protection as values rise. You want clear steps, simple math, and local timelines that keep you on track. This guide walks you through who qualifies, how to file in Hillsborough County, what Save Our Homes means, and how portability can help 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 for ad valorem property taxes. Most homeowners can receive up to $50,000 in exemptions. The first $25,000 applies to all taxing authorities. The additional $25,000 applies to assessed value above $50,000 and generally does not apply to school board taxes.
Your actual tax savings equal the local combined millage rate multiplied by your exemption amount. That means the same exemption can save different amounts depending on your exact location in Hillsborough County.
Who qualifies in Tampa
To qualify, you must own the property and use it as your permanent legal residence as of January 1 of the tax year. Joint owners can qualify the property if at least one owner occupies it as a permanent residence. The exemption applies to only one Florida home at a time.
Citizenship is not required. Lawful permanent residents who meet ownership and residency rules may qualify. Special situations like active-duty military service and properties held in certain trusts can also qualify, subject to specific documentation.
Residency proof you may need
Counties typically request documentation showing Florida residency and intent to make the home your permanent residence. Be prepared to provide:
- Florida driver’s license or Florida ID card with the property address
- Proof of ownership, such as a recorded deed
- Florida voter registration and vehicle registration with the property address
- Proof of occupancy dated on or before January 1, such as a utility bill or insurance policy
- Social Security number for recordkeeping
- For military or unique cases: orders, DD-214, or other requested documents
Dates and how to file
To receive the exemption for a given year, you must own and occupy the home by January 1. The standard filing deadline is March 1 of that same year.
You can file with the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser online, in person, or by mail. Online or in-person filing is recommended to confirm timely receipt. Keep copies of everything you submit, and watch for any follow-up requests from the appraiser’s office.
Filing checklist
- Confirm you occupied the home by January 1
- Update your Florida driver’s license or ID card with the Tampa address
- Gather your deed, voter and vehicle registration, and a recent utility bill
- Submit your homestead application by March 1
- Save your confirmation and respond quickly to any requests for more information
Save Our Homes cap
Once you receive the homestead exemption, Florida’s Save Our Homes (SOH) limits how much your assessed value can increase each year. The cap is the lesser of 3% or the change in the Consumer Price Index. This protects you from large jumps in taxable value while market prices move.
Over time, SOH can create a gap between market value and assessed value that lowers your tax bill compared with an uncapped property.
Portability when you move
If you move to a new Florida homestead, you may be able to transfer some or all of that SOH benefit, known as portability. Portability can reduce the assessed value on your next home and lower your taxes.
You must file the portability application with the property appraiser and meet the required timeframes. Check the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser for current forms, deadlines, and documentation.
How much you could save
Here is a simple way to estimate savings: Tax savings = Millage rate × Exemption amount.
- Example: If the combined local millage rate is 20 mills (0.020), a $50,000 exemption can reduce taxes by roughly 0.020 × 50,000 = $1,000 per year.
Actual millage rates vary across Hillsborough County and depend on your taxing district. For precise numbers, use your property’s tax bill or the current county rate table.
Common situations
- Closed after January 1: If you did not occupy the home on January 1, you generally apply the following tax year.
- Renting your home: If you stop using the property as your permanent residence, the exemption will be removed for the next tax year.
- Multiple properties: You can claim homestead on only one Florida property at a time.
- Married or joint owners: Only one exemption applies per property, even if multiple owners live there.
Additional exemptions
Besides the basic homestead exemption, you may qualify for other exemptions, including those for seniors with income limits, widow or widower status, disability, blind taxpayers, and veterans with qualifying service-connected disabilities. Each program has specific eligibility rules and may require separate applications.
Next steps for Tampa buyers
- Mark your calendar: Occupy by January 1, file by March 1
- Update your Florida ID and voter registration to your Tampa address
- Gather your deed, registrations, and a utility bill showing occupancy
- If you owned a prior Florida homestead, gather documentation for portability
- If your situation is complex, contact the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser for guidance
Ready to buy in Tampa and want a plan that keeps your taxes and timelines on track? Our team can help you align closing dates with filing windows, coordinate documents, and connect you with trusted local pros so you file on time and maximize benefits. Reach out to the Home Selling Group of Florida to get started.
FAQs
What is Florida’s homestead exemption in Tampa?
- It reduces the taxable assessed value of your primary Hillsborough County residence, typically up to $50,000, which can lower your annual property taxes.
Who qualifies for homestead in Hillsborough County?
- You must own and occupy the home as your permanent residence as of January 1, meet Florida residency requirements, and claim the exemption on only one Florida property.
When is the filing deadline for homestead?
- The standard deadline is March 1 of the tax year in which you seek the exemption.
What documents do I need to apply?
- Expect to provide a Florida driver’s license or ID with the property address, your deed, voter and vehicle registration, a utility bill dated on or before January 1, and your Social Security number.
How does Save Our Homes protect me?
- It caps annual assessed value increases at the lesser of 3% or CPI for qualifying homesteads, which can keep your tax bill more stable as market prices rise.
What is portability and how do I use it?
- Portability lets you transfer accrued Save Our Homes benefits to a new Florida homestead; you must file the portability application within the required timeframe with the property appraiser.
What if I miss the March 1 deadline?
- Late filings may be allowed only in specific circumstances; contact the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser to ask about options.
Do non-U.S. citizens qualify for homestead?
- Citizenship is not required; lawful residents who meet ownership and permanent residency requirements may qualify.
