Any Buyer purchasing a home in Palm Beach County as their primary place of residence may file for the $50,000.00 homestead exemption. Every person who has legal title to or beneficial interest in real property in the State of Florida and who resides thereon and in good faith makes it his or her permanent residence as of January 1st is eligible for homestead exemption. Each owner who resides thereon and makes it his or her permanent resident must make an application in person and present proof of residence. If title is held jointly by husband and wife, either may file but should bring proof of residence for the spouse.
You must have purchased your home and reside in it by the end of the calendar year in order to qualify for the exemption for the following year. However, you may file your application anytime after your closing, but NO LATER THAN MARCH 1, 2017.
In order to file you will need the following:
- Copy of the Recorded Deed
- Social Security Number of all applicants
- Proof of Permanent Residency if you are not a U.S. Citizen
- Death Certificate if filing for a widow or widower exemption
In order to verify permanent Florida residency please bring the following for all owners:
- Florida Driver’s License
- Florida Vehicle Registration
- Florida Voter’s Registration
- Declaration of Domicile (if you do not own or drive a vehicle)
New applications for the Homestead, Widow, Widower or Disability Exemption must be made in person in the Property Appraiser’s Office between January 1st and March 1st. From March through December 31st, you may pre-file for Homestead for the next calendar year. Office locations are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (excluding legal holidays). You can file on-line as well by going to www.pbcgov.org/PAPA.