Property owners who qualify for Florida’s Homestead Exemption may be able to reduce their property tax bill by hundreds of dollars each year, according to the Citrus County Property Appraiser’s Office. The deadline to apply for the 2026 tax year is March 2, 2026.

Homestead Exemption can save eligible homeowners approximately $400 to $600 annually in property taxes, while also offering long-term protections that help limit how quickly a home’s assessed value can rise.

Homestead Exemption reduces the taxable value of a primary residence, resulting in a lower tax bill. Beyond the immediate yearly savings, the exemption provides additional protection through Florida’s assessment limitation, often referred to as the “Save Our Homes” cap.

With Homestead Exemption in place, a property’s assessed value may not increase more than 3% per year or the rate of inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is lower. This can help protect homeowners from large increases in assessed value over time, keeping property taxes more stable and predictable.

To qualify for Homestead Exemption for the 2026 tax year, an applicant must own and occupy the property as their permanent residence as of January 1, 2026.

The exemption is only available for a homeowner’s primary residence. Applicants may not claim a residency-based exemption on another property in Florida or in any other state.

Documentation is required as part of the application process. Applicants should be prepared to provide updated identification and proof of residence, such as:  Florida driver’s license, voter registration, vehicle registration and Social Security Number.

All required documents must be provided for all owners residing in the home and/or a spouse.

New homeowners should be aware that Homestead Exemption does not transfer automatically when a home is purchased. Even if the previous owner had Homestead, the exemption does not remain in place for the new owner.

Property taxes can change after a sale because assessed values may reset following a change of ownership. Florida law (F.S. 193.155) requires property assessed under this section to be assessed at just value as of January 1 of the year following a change of ownership. For that reason, new homeowners are encouraged to apply as soon as they are eligible.

Homeowners who move to a new residence must file a new Homestead Exemption application for their new home. The exemption does not transfer automatically between properties, even if the homeowner previously qualified.

Applications may be completed online by e-filing at citruspa.org. Homeowners may also apply in person at the Citrus County Property Appraiser’s Office in Inverness or Crystal River.

For questions, residents may call 352-341-6600 or use the live chat feature at citruspa.org.

The deadline to apply for Homestead Exemption for the 2026 tax year is March 2, 2026. Eligible property owners are encouraged to apply early to avoid missing out on potential savings.

Homestead Exemption is free to file and can reduce property taxes each year. Residents who qualify and have not yet applied may be paying more in property taxes than necessary.

Our office wants to make sure every eligible property owner applies. Far too often we speak with residents who have lived in their home for years and never filed, which can mean paying more in property taxes than necessary. Don’t wait, file now. If you have questions, please contact us at 352-341-6600, chat with us through our live chat feature at citruspa.org, or visit our office in Inverness or Crystal River. Until next time, thank you for the opportunity to serve you. We look forward to helping our residents take advantage of the Homestead Exemption.