Exemptions Information

Homestead Exemption provides qualified applicants with a reduction in their home's taxable value up to $25,000. Applicants may file for Homestead Exemption between November 1st and March 1st of the year in which the benefit will be applied. Once approved, Homestead Exemption is automatically renewed each year as long as ownership and residence conditions remain the same for the property. REQUIREMENTS: Article VII, Section 6 of the Florida Constitution provides that all property owners who, as of January 1, have legal or equitable title to real estate and maintain it as their permanent residence, are entitled to a $25,000 Homestead Exemption, or a percentage thereof if the ownership interest is less than 100%. Only one Homestead Exemption is allowed to any individual or family unit. To receive Homestead Exemption, applicants must qualify on or before January 1st and submit an application with the Property Appraiser on or before March 1st of the year in which the benefit will be applied. IMPORTANT: Homestead Exemption does not automatically transfer to a new residence. Florida law requires property owners to file a new application if they move or if they change the manner in which title is held on their existing homestead. Required Documents for all Applicants:

• Florida driver's license, or, if you do not drive, a Florida identification card
• Florida vehicle registration for vehicles owned or leased by you
• Hardee County voter registration card, if you are registered to vote
• If you are not a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident alien card ('green card') is needed
• If property is in trust, a copy of the trust agreement or a copy of a recorded memorandum of trust If the applicant owns property in any other state or country, a letter may be required from the appropriate agency verifying that the applicant does not receive benefits based on permanent residency in that jurisdiction
• If the homestead is a manufactured home, registration(s) or title(s) for the manufactured home

Learn more about § 196.031

The Additional Homestead Exemption provides qualified applicants with an additional reduction in their home's taxable value up to $25,000 each year. REQUIREMENTS: The Additional Homestead Exemption is automatically applied to any property that receives the original $25,000 Homestead Exemption. To receive the full $25,000 benefit of the Additional Homestead Exemption, the property's assessed value must be at least $75,000. If the assessed value is less than $75,000, the Additional Homestead Exemption will be less than $25,000. Homestead Exemption is required for this exemption. Required Documents for all Applicants:

• Florida driver's license, or, if you do not drive, a Florida identification card
• Florida vehicle registration for all vehicles owned or leased by you, or registered to your business
• Hardee County voter registration card, if you are registered to vote Social Security card or other official document that includes the social security number. (Social Security documentation is required for the spouse of each applicant even if applicant’s spouse has no ownership interest in the homestead property)
• If you are not a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident alien card ('green card') is needed
• If property is in trust, a copy of the trust agreement or a copy of a recorded memorandum of trust If the applicant owns property in any other state or country, a letter may be required from the appropriate agency verifying that the applicant does not receive benefits based on permanent residency in that jurisdiction
• If the homestead is a manufactured home, registration(s) or title(s) for the manufactured home

Learn more about § 196.031(1)(b)

The Widow/Widower Exemption provides qualified applicants with up to a $500 reduction in taxable value on one property they own. REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be a widow or widower prior to January 1st of the year in which the exemption will be applied
• Cannot be remarried
• Must be a permanent resident of Florida
• Must provide a copy of the spouse's death certificate

Homestead Exemption is not required for this exemption. Learn more about § 196.202

The Blind Persons Exemption provides qualified applicants with up to a $500 reduction in taxable value on one property they own. REQUIREMENTS: An applicant for the $500 Blind Persons Exemption must be a permanent resident of Florida and provide an Optometrist's Certification of Disability, a certificate from the Division of Blind Services, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, or the Social Security Administration, certifying the applicant to be blind. Homestead Exemption is not required for this exemption. Homestead Exemption is not required for this exemption. Learn more about § 196.202

The $500 Disability Exemption provides qualified applicants with up to a $500 reduction in taxable value on one property they own. REQUIREMENTS: An applicant for the $500 Disability Exemption must be a permanent resident of Florida and provide a Physician's Certificate from one Florida licensed doctor, or documentation from the Social Security Administration. Homestead Exemption is not required for this exemption. Learn more about § 196.202

The Total & Permanent Disability Exemption for Civilians provides qualified applicants with up to 100% exemption from all ad-valorem property taxes. REQUIREMENTS:

• Any real estate used and owned as a homestead by any quadriplegic is exempt from taxation.
• Must be a paraplegic, hemiplegic, or other total and permanent disability requiring the applicant to be confined to a wheel chair for mobility, or who is legally blind
• Must have an adjusted household income not exceeding an amount determined annually by the Department of Revenue based on the Consumer Price Index and provided to the Property Appraiser mid-January each year
• Must provide a Physician's Certificate from two, non-affiliated, licensed Florida doctors
• Must provide an annual affirmation of income to retain this benefit (Quadriplegics do not need to meet the income requirements.) Income limitations

Homestead Exemption is required for this exemption. Learn more about § 196.101

The Limited-Income Seniors Exemption provides an additional exemption for residents age 65-years and older who do not exceed state-mandated maximum income. Article VII of the Constitution of the State of Florida gives authority to the Board of County Commissioners and municipal governments to determine the benefit amount, not to exceed $50,000. Hardee County and all municipalities each provide a $25,000 exemption offering between $222 - $436 depending on the tax rates and tax district. REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be 65-years old or older on or by January 1 of the current roll year
• Must have an adjusted household income not exceeding an amount determined annually by the Department of Revenue based on the Consumer Price Index and provided to the Property Appraiser mid-January each year
• Must file an initial application with the Property Appraiser’s office
• Must provide a copy of the prior year's Federal income tax returns - if filed, and include any wage and earning statements (W-2, 1099) Income limitations

Homestead Exemption is required for this exemption. Learn more about § 196.075