One of the biggest financial advantages of becoming a Florida resident is the Florida Homestead Exemption.
If you’re moving from Minnesota (or anywhere else) to Southwest Florida, filing for Homestead Exemption should be near the top of your checklist after purchasing your primary residence.
Not only can it reduce your annual property taxes, but it also provides valuable protections that many new Florida homeowners don’t realize exist.
Let’s break it down.
What is Florida Homestead Exemption?
Florida’s Homestead Exemption is available to homeowners who make their Florida home their permanent residence.
Current benefits include:
✔ Up to $50,000 off your home’s taxable value
✔ Protection from large increases in assessed value through Florida’s Save Our Homes program
✔ Certain creditor protections under Florida law
For many homeowners, filing for Homestead saves hundreds—and sometimes thousands—of dollars every year.
Do You Qualify?
Generally, you qualify if:
- You own the property.
- It is your permanent Florida residence.
- You lived there on or before January 1 of the tax year.
- You are a Florida resident.
You’ll typically need:
- Florida Driver’s License
- Florida vehicle registration
- Florida voter registration (if applicable)
- Social Security numbers
- Recorded deed showing ownership
The county property appraiser may request additional documentation depending on your situation.
When Should You Apply?
Don’t wait.
The filing deadline is generally March 1 for that tax year.
If you’re purchasing a home later in the year, you can often pre-file for the following year’s exemption once you establish residency.
How Much Can You Save?
Current Florida law provides:
- First $25,000 exemption applies to all property taxes.
- Second $25,000 exemption applies to non-school taxes on qualifying assessed values.
The actual savings depend on:
- County
- City
- Special districts
- Tax rates
- Your home’s assessed value
Every homeowner’s tax bill is different.
Proposed 2026 Florida Homestead Changes
Nothing has changed yet.
However, Florida lawmakers have approved a proposed constitutional amendment that will appear on the November 2026 ballot.
If approved by at least 60% of voters:
January 1, 2027
The non-school Homestead Exemption would increase to:
$150,000
January 1, 2028
The exemption would increase again to:
$250,000
Important to remember:
✔ School taxes would still apply.
✔ The proposal only affects county, city, and certain special district taxes.
✔ None of these changes become law unless Florida voters approve the amendment in November 2026.
Lee County Homestead Application
Collier County Homestead Application
Don’t Forget About Portability
Already own a Florida home?
If you move from one Florida homesteaded property to another, you may be able to transfer (“port”) some of your accumulated Save Our Homes tax savings to your new home.
Many homeowners overlook this benefit, so be sure to ask your real estate professional or property appraiser if you qualify.
My Advice to Buyers Moving from Minnesota
One of the biggest mistakes I see is buyers waiting months before changing their driver’s license, registering their vehicle, and filing for Homestead.
The sooner you establish Florida residency, the smoother the process becomes—and the sooner you can take advantage of Florida’s valuable homeowner benefits.
If you’re relocating from Minnesota to Southwest Florida, I’m happy to help guide you through every step, from purchasing your home to establishing Florida residency and making sure you don’t miss important deadlines.
Thinking About Making the Move?
If you’re planning to relocate from Minnesota to Southwest Florida, I’d be happy to help you every step of the way.
From finding the right home to answering questions about taxes, residency, insurance, and homesteading, my goal is to make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Visit MNtoFL.com or contact me anytime with questions.