The Florida Tax Savings Homeowners Forget to Claim Every Year
After twenty years helping Florida and 30A homeowners navigate the buying process, we can tell you the same thing happens every single year. People close on their home, settle in, decorate, go to the beach and then forget one tiny task that costs them real money. It is the simplest tax benefit Florida offers and somehow the most overlooked.
If your Florida property is your primary residence, the Homestead Exemption is your golden ticket to predictable taxes and long term savings. Filing it takes minutes. Forgetting it can cost you thousands.
Why Homestead Exemption matters more than people think
If you live in your Florida home full time, the Homestead Exemption can unlock two major benefits:
- It lowers your home’s assessed value by up to fifty thousand dollars.
- It caps how much your taxable value can increase each year.
That second part is the secret weapon. When the market heats up and values climb, your taxes will not follow the same rocket path. This is one of the strongest homeowner protections in the country and it is the reason long time Florida residents enjoy stable property taxes even in booming markets like 30A.
The deadline you do not want to overlook
File by March 1 of the year you want the exemption applied. Miss that deadline and you wait an entire year to see the savings.
Important notes for Walton County homeowners
If your home is in Walton County, you can start your Homestead application online through the Property Appraiser’s website. Here is the part most new owners miss.
If it is your first time filing, you must submit your original application in person. This allows the county to verify your residency, documents and identification. Do not wait until the last week when the office gets busy and everyone has a mild tax season meltdown.
What you need to file
A quick list to help you avoid repeat trips:
- Florida driver license with your property address
- Florida vehicle registration
- Recorded deed or current tax bill
- Social Security numbers for all owners
- Voter registration (if applicable)
- Supporting residency proof such as utility bills
As someone who has guided hundreds of homeowners through this process, trust me. Preparation makes filing smooth and fast.
Why this matters if you recently purchased a home on 30A
If you closed on your home in 2024 or 2025 and are establishing primary residency in 2026, filing Homestead protects you against future spikes in assessed value. In popular markets like WaterColor, Seagrove, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach and Inlet Beach, this benefit can make a meaningful difference year after year.
If you are still exploring the market and want clarity on what your current home might sell for before you relocate, start here:
Request a complimentary home valuation
If you are searching for your next home and plan to make Florida your full time residence, browse available listings here:
Start a home search on The Kendall Hood Collection
Want a reminder before the March 1 deadline
We send a simple, friendly reminder each year to homeowners who want it. No spam. No clutter. Just a nudge that keeps you from losing out on tax savings.
Message us your email or reach out directly to our team:
Connect with The Kendall Hood Collection
Final thought
Homestead Exemption is one of the easiest financial wins for Florida homeowners. It protects your investment, stabilizes your taxes and rewards you for making Florida your home. If you have questions about filing, exemptions or long term tax planning as a homeowner here on 30A, our team is happy to walk you through every step.
