Tallahassee Real Estate Blog

Want to save a bundle on your Tallahassee and Leon County property taxes?  If you purchased a home in 2009 make sure you file for the Florida Homestead Exemption now!  It’s easy – here’s how!
 
Florida law provides residents up to a $50,000 exemption on the value of their primary residence.  The first $25,000 applies to all taxes.  The second $25,000 applies to any assessed value over $50,000 and only to non-school taxes.  For the typical median price home in Tallahassee, that can translate into over $700 in savings!

Who qualifies?  Anyone who owns a home in Florida and resides in it as a permanent residence as of January 1, 2010 can claim a homestead exemption in 2010.  Homeowners who bought in 2009 and are filing for the first time will need to apply.  Applicants need to furnish their social security number, and evidence of ownership such as a deed.  And don’t forget – if you had applied in previous years, but bought a new primary residence in 2009, you also need to apply – it doesn’t automatically transfer from your old residence.

Be prepared to provide proof that your Tallahassee home is your primary residence.  Proof can be established through some of the following Florida documents as long as they are dated as January 1, 2010:
Certificate of Domicile
Voter Registration Card
Vehicle License and Registration
Drivers License     

To make an application you may go in person to the Leon County Property Appraiser's office on the 3rd floor of the Courthouse Annex, located in the Bank of America Plaza, 315 South Calhoun Street between 8am and 5pm on weekdays.  The appraiser also offers Saturday filing in the Tallahassee Mall, each Saturday in February from 10am to 2pm, plus they visit several other locations throughout the county on Tuesdays in February from 3pm to 7pm. You may call the office at 488-6102 for those locations.  And finally, you may choose to apply by mail.  Visit the Property Appraiser’s website, click on Forms to download the application.  You must mail the application and copies of the required documentation by March 1, 2010.

If you somehow miss the March 1, 2010 deadline, call the property appraiser immediately – they still maybe able to help.  But better yet, file now to make sure you don’t miss out!

Contact me at terancekeenan@kw.com if you have any questions!