Step-by-Step Duval Homestead Exemption Guide

Buying a home in Duval County? Filing Florida’s homestead exemption can lower your property taxes and cap how fast your assessed value can rise each year. If you’re new to the area or a first-time buyer, the process can feel confusing at first. In this guide, you’ll learn who qualifies, what to gather, key deadlines, and how to file in Duval the right way. Let’s dive in.

Why homestead exemption matters

Florida’s homestead exemption can reduce your taxable value by up to $50,000, which may lower your yearly property taxes. It also triggers the Save Our Homes cap, which limits how much your assessed value can increase each year. That can help keep your tax bill more predictable over time.

For a clear overview of how the exemption and Save Our Homes work statewide, review the Florida Department of Revenue homestead guidance at the Florida Department of Revenue.

Who qualifies in Florida

To qualify for a given tax year, you must:

• Own the property and make it your permanent residence as of January 1 of that year.
• Use the property as your primary, permanent home.
• Claim only one homestead in Florida. You cannot take homestead on two properties.
• Hold title in a way that allows an individual to claim homestead. Properties owned by entities like LLCs or corporations typically do not qualify.

Deadline and filing timeline

The standard filing deadline is March 1 for the tax year that began on January 1. If you miss the deadline, contact the Duval County Property Appraiser as soon as possible to ask about any late or retroactive options.

A simple timeline for new buyers:

• Before closing: confirm how title will be held if you plan to claim homestead.
• By January 1: be the owner and live in the home as your permanent residence to qualify for that year.
• By March 1: file your application and supporting documents.
• After filing: keep your confirmation and watch for the exemption on future tax notices and bills.

How to file in Duval

You file with the Duval County Property Appraiser. Here is the typical process:

1. Confirm eligibility

• Were you the owner and permanent resident on January 1 of the tax year? If yes, you can apply for that year.

2. Gather documents

• Collect proof of ownership and Florida residency. See the checklist below.

3. Complete the application

• Use the Duval County homestead exemption application (paper or online, if available). Visit the Duval County Property Appraiser for current forms and instructions.

4. Submit by the deadline

• Submit your application and documentation by March 1.

5. Watch for a decision

• If approved, the exemption will appear on future county property tax notices and bills.

6. If denied

• You will receive a notice with appeal instructions. Read it carefully and follow the steps provided by the Property Appraiser and the Value Adjustment Board.

Documents you will need

Gather originals and copies as directed by the county. Common items include:

• Proof of ownership: recorded deed or other recorded instrument showing you owned the home by January 1.
• Proof of Florida residency at the property address, dated on or before January 1, such as:
  • Florida driver’s license or Florida ID card with the property address.
  • Florida voter registration with the property address.
  • Declaration of Domicile filed with the county Clerk of Court.
  • Florida vehicle registration with the property address.
  • Closing or settlement statement (to support move-in timing alongside other proof).
• Photo ID.
• Social Security number or the last four digits, as requested by the county.
• Trust documents if the property is titled in a trust, plus any affidavits the county requires.
• Documents for related exemptions (such as widow(er), disabled veteran, or senior), if applicable.

If you need to update your driver’s license or vehicle registration to show your new address, visit the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Special situations to know

• Bought after January 1: If you purchased and moved in after January 1, you typically will not qualify for that tax year. Plan to file for the next year by March 1.
• Moving from another Florida county: You may be able to transfer your Save Our Homes benefit to your new Duval homestead through portability. Ask the Property Appraiser about the portability application and timing, and review statewide details at the Florida Department of Revenue.
• Trusts and probate: You can often claim homestead if the property is titled in a qualifying trust, but documentation matters. Contact the Property Appraiser for their specific requirements.
• Multiple residences: Florida allows only one homestead exemption per person.
• Non-citizens: U.S. citizenship is not required. Be prepared to document lawful residency and domicile as the county requests.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming the closing date controls eligibility. The tests are ownership and permanent residence on January 1.
• Submitting incomplete documentation. Missing proof of residency or a recorded deed can lead to delays or denial.
• Titling the home in a non-qualifying entity. Properties owned by LLCs or corporations generally do not qualify for an individual homestead claim.
• Forgetting to update IDs and registrations. Not updating your Florida driver’s license or voter registration to your new address can complicate your application. You can address IDs and vehicle registration via the FLHSMV.

After you file

Once processed, approvals will show on future property tax notices and bills for the applicable year. If something looks off, contact the Property Appraiser promptly. For questions about tax bills and payments after your exemption is applied, visit the Duval County Tax Collector.

Helpful resources

• Duval County Property Appraiser: applications, forms, and contact info — Duval County Property Appraiser
• Statewide rules and guidance — Florida Department of Revenue
• Tax bills and payment info — Duval County Tax Collector
• Driver’s licenses and vehicle registration — Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

Get local help

Have questions about timing, documents, or how this affects your budget as a buyer or new homeowner? Our team serves military relocations, first-time buyers, and families across Northeast Florida, and we are happy to point you to the right local office and resources. Reach out to the Kingsley Group of Jax for friendly, local guidance.

FAQs

Who qualifies for Duval’s homestead exemption for the current year?

• You must own the home and make it your permanent residence on January 1 of that year, then file by March 1 with supporting documents.

What documents prove Florida residency for homestead?

• Common proofs include a Florida driver’s license or ID with the property address, voter registration, Declaration of Domicile, and vehicle registration with the address.

Can I apply after March 1 in Duval County?

• Late applications may be limited; contact the Duval County Property Appraiser right away to ask about any available late or retroactive options.

How does the Save Our Homes cap help me?

• Once your homestead is granted, the Save Our Homes cap limits annual increases in assessed value, which can help stabilize your property taxes over time.

How do I transfer my Save Our Homes benefit if I moved to Duval?

• Ask the Property Appraiser about filing a portability application and review statewide guidance at the Florida Department of Revenue to confirm eligibility and timelines.

Do I need to reapply for homestead every year in Duval?

• No. Once approved, the exemption generally renews automatically as long as you remain eligible; notify the Property Appraiser if your status changes.

Can I claim homestead if my home is in a trust?

• Often yes, if the trust and beneficiary meet certain criteria; bring trust documents and follow the Duval Property Appraiser’s documentation requirements.