Sarasota County

Sarasota County

E-FILE FOR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION HERE

To qualify and apply for a Homestead Exemption in Florida, there are two important deadlines and required documentation:

1. Qualification Deadline:

• You must be a Florida resident and own and occupy the property as your permanent residence on January 1st of the year you claim the exemption.

• You may also qualify if you have a beneficial interest in the property under a 98-year lease or a life estate.

2. Application Deadline:

• You must apply by March 1st of the year for which you are claiming the exemption.

• Applications filed after the deadline may still be considered by the property appraiser’s office.

When applying for the Homestead Exemption, you need to provide the following documents:

1. Evidence of Ownership or Beneficial Interest:

• Copy of the deed to the property recorded in the public records of Sarasota County

• Tax bill or Notice of Proposed Property Taxes

• Copy of a proprietary lease to a cooperative, a trust agreement, or a last will and testament (to confirm beneficial interest)

2. Evidence of Permanent Florida Residence:

• Valid Florida Driver’s License or valid Florida ID Card reflecting the permanent residence address

• Proof of Florida voter registration or Florida vehicle registration

• Formal declaration of domicile recorded in the public records of the county

• Proof of payment for utilities or bank statements/checking account information mailed to the claimed address

• Employment verification, evidence of dependent children’s school registration, federal income tax returns listing the permanent residence address (optional)

3. Social Security Number:

• All applicants, including married couples, must provide their Social Security Numbers.

4. Permanent Resident Alien:

• If you are a Permanent Resident Alien, you need to show your Alien Registration Card (Green Card).

Please note that there may be additional requirements and documentation that the office may request to verify your status.

Information for first-time Florida homebuyers

Additional exemptions for certain individuals:

• Senior Income with Limited Income: Provides an additional Homestead exemption for qualifying residents aged 65 and older.

• Disabled Veterans Homestead Property Tax Discount: Offers a property tax discount for veterans aged 65 and older with an honorable discharge and a combat-related permanent service-connected disability.

• Total and Permanent Disability Exemption (Service Connected): Exempts real estate used as a homestead for honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected total and permanent disability.

• Total and Permanent Disability Exemption (Non-Service Connected): Exempts homestead property for quadriplegic or other totally and permanently disabled persons who must use a wheelchair for mobility or who are legally blind.

Personal exemptions for permanent residents of Florida (with Homestead):

• Widow/Widower Exemption: Available for widows or widowers who are permanent residents of Florida.

• Disability Exemption: Granted to Florida residents who are totally and permanently disabled.

• Blind Disability Exemption: Provided to Florida residents who are blind.

• Disabled Veteran Exemption: Given to ex-service members who are permanent residents of Florida and disabled due to war or service-connected disability.

Where to file in person:

Sarasota Office Location & Mailing Address

• Sarasota County Property Appraiser, Terrace Building
  2001 Adams Lane, Sarasota, FL 34237
  Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  Email us at: [email protected]
  Telephone: 941.861.8200
  Fax: 941.861.8260

Venice Office Location

• R.L. Anderson Administration Center
  4000 S. Tamiami Trail, Ste 115, Venice, FL 34293
  Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

North Port Office Location

• North Port City Hall
  4970 City Hall Blvd., Rm. 128a, North Port, FL 34286
  Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM