The Collier County Homestead Exemption Explained

Florida offers a benefit to permanent residents by offering an exemption off the assessed value of your property, which then reduces the amount of property taxes you will pay each year.

Here are some ways to see if you can qualify:

• You must have a legal title or beneficial title in equity to real property in Florida
  
• You must have the title and be a permanent resident by January 1 of the year in which you apply for the exemption
  
• You must apply for the prior year’s exemption by March 1 st at your Property’s Appraiser’s office
  
• If you are not eligible for the current year but will be eligible for the following year, you may pre-file for the exemption any time after March 1st.
  
• You may only have one Homestead Exception per “family unit”

How much can you save?

A $25,000 exemption is applied to the first $50,000 of your property’s assessed value. This exemption applies to all taxes, including school district taxes. An additional exemption of up to $25,000 will be applied if your property’s assessed value is between at least $50,000 and $75,000. This exemption is not applied to school district taxes.

How to Apply:

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.

What to Bring When You Apply:

1. Evidence of ownership (deed, tax receipt, etc.)
   
2. Social Security numbers for all applicants and spouses; as required by F.S. Section 196.011(1)
   
3. Collier County Voter Registration (if you vote) dated prior to January 1st
   
4. Florida Driver License dated prior to January 1st
   
5. Florida Vehicle Registration dated prior to January 1st

Optional: Declaration of Domicile filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court prior to January 1 st of the year of application.

Where to File the Exemption:

Main Office
3950 Radio Rd., Naples, FL 34104
Open Mon-Fri 8-5
239-252-8141 tel
239-252-2071 fax

2335 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples, FL 34109
Open Mon-Fri 9-6
239-252-4444 tel
239-252-5984 fax

4715 Golden Gate Pkwy., Naples, FL 34116
Open Mon-Fri 9-1, 2-6
239-252-8193 tel
239-348-3590 fax

15450 Collier Blvd. Naples, FL 34120
Open Mon-Fri 9-6
(239) 252-1622 tel

As always if you have questions about moving to Naples, or the southwest Florida area, I’m Jess Powell a local real estate agent and would love to help!