Florida Homestead Exemption: Orlando Homeowner Guide

December 11, 2025

Buying or owning a home in Orlando comes with a powerful tax break you do not want to miss. If the property is your primary residence, Florida’s homestead exemption can lower your taxable value and help keep annual assessment increases in check. You might be a first-time buyer settling into your new place or a long-time resident planning a move across town. Either way, understanding the basics can put real dollars back in your pocket.

In this guide, you will learn what the exemption is, who qualifies, how to apply in Orange County, and how timing affects your savings. You will also see tips for Save Our Homes portability if you are moving within Florida. Let’s dive in.

What the Florida homestead exemption does

Florida’s homestead exemption reduces the taxable assessed value of your primary residence and limits how quickly it can go up each year.

Two core savings

Basic homestead exemption: You can typically reduce your assessed value by up to $50,000. The first $25,000 generally applies to all property taxes. The additional up to $25,000 generally applies to the portion of assessed value between $50,000 and $75,000 and usually does not apply to school district taxes. For a plain-language overview, review guidance from the Florida Department of Revenue.
Save Our Homes cap: Once your homestead is set, annual increases in assessed value are limited to 3% or the change in the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower. This cap protects you from large assessment jumps year to year. Details are maintained by the Florida Department of Revenue.

Portability when you move within Florida

If you sell one Florida homestead and buy another, you may be able to transfer some or all of your Save Our Homes benefit to the new home. This is called portability. It can significantly reduce the new home’s taxable value if you file the required forms on time. For current rules and forms, start with the Florida Department of Revenue and confirm steps with the Orange County Property Appraiser.

Who qualifies in Orange County

Florida uses statewide rules that apply in Orange County. The exemption is tied to your ownership and your primary residence status.

Basic eligibility

You must own the property as of the qualifying date.
The home must be your permanent primary residence.
Ownership and occupancy must be established as of January 1 of the tax year you want the exemption.
Only one property can be your homestead. Second homes and rental or investment properties do not qualify.

You can verify current eligibility standards and documentation with the Orange County Property Appraiser and the Florida Department of Revenue.

Documents you may need

Proof of ownership, such as a recorded deed
Florida driver’s license or state ID with your Orange County address
Voter registration or vehicle registration reflecting your local address
Recent utility bills or other evidence of residency as of Jan 1
Social Security Numbers for owner(s) for identity verification

Common pitfalls to avoid

Moving after Jan 1: If you did not own and occupy on Jan 1, you generally cannot claim for that tax year.
Multiple residences: Only one can be homestead. Be clear about which property you claim.
Converting a rental to your residence: You must meet the Jan 1 occupancy requirement for the year you seek the exemption.
Joint ownership: Co-owners may qualify if at least one uses the property as a primary residence, subject to county review.

Orlando application timeline and how to file

Timing and the right office matter. The property appraiser handles exemptions. The tax collector handles bills and payments.

Key dates to remember

January 1: You must own and occupy the home as your primary residence on this date.
March 1: This is the standard application deadline for a new homestead exemption for that tax year.
Annual renewal: Once approved, your exemption normally renews automatically as long as you continue to own and occupy the property as your primary residence.

Where and how to apply in Orange County

Apply with the Orange County Property Appraiser. You can typically:

Apply online through the property appraiser’s website
Submit forms by mail
Visit in person for help and to present original documents

If you have questions about your tax bill or payment options after your exemption is applied, contact the Orange County Tax Collector.

If you miss March 1

File as soon as you can and contact the Orange County Property Appraiser right away. Some counties have limited late-filing procedures or options for prior years. Do not assume you are out of luck without asking the office directly.

How the exemption affects your tax bill

The homestead exemption directly reduces your assessed value, which can lower your tax bill. Save Our Homes then limits future increases in the assessed value.

First-year expectations

For first-time buyers, your initial tax bill is based on the property’s assessed value and local millage rates. The homestead exemption typically kicks in after you apply and qualify, and it must meet the Jan 1 rule. If you buy late in the year, talk with your closing agent and the property appraiser to understand when your exemption can start.

TRIM notices and proposed rates

Each summer, you should receive a TRIM notice that shows your assessed value, exemptions, and proposed millage rates. Review it carefully. If you see a missing exemption or an unexpected change, follow up with the Orange County Property Appraiser promptly.

Planning tips for buyers and movers

Good planning around Jan 1 can help you avoid missing a full year of savings and can preserve your Save Our Homes benefit if you are relocating within Florida.

Closing near January 1

A purchase just before or just after Jan 1 can determine which tax year you can claim. If you are close to the date, ask your closing agent and the property appraiser how your timing may affect eligibility for that year. Keep your deed, closing statement, and proof of residence documents organized.

Save Our Homes portability steps

If you previously had a Florida homestead, look into portability right after you contract or close on your new home. You will generally:

Confirm your previous homestead status and the amount of accrued Save Our Homes benefit
File portability documents with the property appraiser where your new home is located by the applicable deadline
Keep copies of all filings and confirmations

For state-level guidance, visit the Florida Department of Revenue, then confirm Orange County procedures with the Property Appraiser.

Additional exemptions you should know

Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for extra exemptions that reduce your taxable value further. Common examples include exemptions for seniors, low-income seniors at the county level, disabilities, disabled veterans, widow or widower status, and surviving spouses of first responders. Eligibility and amounts vary by statute and county. Start with the Florida Department of Revenue and then verify application steps with the Orange County Property Appraiser.

Step-by-step checklist for Orlando homeowners

Confirm when you took ownership and when you began living in the home as your primary residence in relation to Jan 1.
Visit the Orange County Property Appraiser site and locate the homestead exemption section.
Gather proof of ownership and residency: deed, Florida ID, voter or vehicle registration, and recent utility bills.
Apply by March 1 for the current tax year.
Keep copies of all documents and your confirmation.
If you moved from another Florida homestead, ask the property appraiser about Save Our Homes portability and file any required forms.
If you may qualify for additional exemptions, review eligibility and file the separate applications, if required.
For questions about bills, payment dates, or discounts, contact the Orange County Tax Collector.

Local guidance when you need it

If you are weighing a move, wondering how your closing date might affect your exemption, or planning a sale and purchase within Florida, local guidance helps. Our team works with Orlando buyers and sellers every day and understands the timing, paperwork, and practical details that keep your transaction moving.

Have questions or want a plan for your next move? Connect with The Acevedo Team for clear, bilingual support and neighborhood-level advice.

Important: This article is general information, not tax or legal advice. Confirm eligibility, deadlines, and documentation directly with the Orange County Property Appraiser and consider consulting a qualified tax professional. For statutes, you can search Chapter 196 at the Florida Legislature website.

FAQs

What is the deadline to apply for the homestead exemption in Orange County?

The standard deadline is March 1 for the tax year you want the exemption; if you miss it, contact the Orange County Property Appraiser immediately to ask about late-filing options.

Do I need to reapply for my homestead exemption each year in Orlando?

Generally no; once approved, the exemption auto-renews while you own and occupy the home as your primary residence, though the property appraiser may request verification.

Can I get the exemption if I bought my home after January 1?

Usually not for that same tax year; you must own and occupy the property as of January 1, so your exemption would typically begin the following tax year if you qualify.

What is Save Our Homes and how does it help Orlando homeowners?

Save Our Homes limits annual assessed value increases for a homestead to 3% or CPI, whichever is lower, which helps keep your taxable value from rising quickly.

How do I transfer my Save Our Homes benefit when moving within Florida?

File portability paperwork for your new Florida homestead by the required deadlines and confirm county procedures with the Orange County Property Appraiser and the Florida Department of Revenue.