Florida Homestead Exemption in Longwood: Essential Basics

Buying or owning a home in Longwood? The Florida homestead exemption can lower your property tax bill, but only if you meet the rules and file on time. It is easy to miss savings if you are not sure when you qualify or where to apply. In this guide, you will learn who is eligible, the March 1 deadline, what documents to have ready, how Save Our Homes works, and how to use portability when you move. Let’s dive in.

Who qualifies in Florida

To qualify, you must own and occupy the property as your permanent residence on January 1 of the tax year. Your Florida driver’s license or ID, voter registration, vehicle registration, and utility records are typical signs of permanent residency. You cannot claim a homestead exemption on another property in Florida or any other state at the same time.

Eligible property types include single‑family homes, condos, co‑ops, and certain mobile home situations where the land is owned or properly approved. Rentals, vacation homes, and nonresidential property do not qualify. If more than one person owns the home, at least one owner who lives there as a permanent resident must qualify.

Florida also offers other exemptions for seniors, people with disabilities, widows or widowers, and veterans. These have separate rules and applications. You can hold these in addition to the standard homestead exemption if you qualify.

Key dates and timing examples

March 1 filing deadline

File your homestead application by March 1 for the current tax year. Late filing rules vary by county. If you miss the deadline, contact the property appraiser right away to discuss options.

Do you qualify this year?

• If you own and live in the home on January 1, you can apply for that tax year by March 1.
• If you buy after January 1, you typically apply for the next tax year. Plan ahead to file by March 1 next year.
• If you close on December 30 and move in on December 31, you can qualify as long as you are living there as your permanent residence on January 1. Keep strong proof of occupancy.

How to file in Longwood

Where to apply

Longwood homes are assessed by the Seminole County Property Appraiser. You can usually apply online, by mail, or in person. If your property sits in a different county, you must file with that county’s property appraiser.

Documents checklist

Have these items ready when you apply:

• Proof of ownership, such as a recorded deed or closing statement.
• Proof of Florida residency and occupancy at the property address: Florida driver’s license or Florida ID, voter registration, vehicle registration, and recent utility bills.
• Social Security number for each owner listed on the application, as required for processing.
• For recent buyers, your settlement statement may be requested to confirm the closing date.

Tip: If your closing is close to January 1, update your driver’s license, voter registration, and vehicle registration as soon as possible and keep utility setup records to support your occupancy.

Save Our Homes and portability

How Save Our Homes works

Save Our Homes (SOH) limits annual increases to your assessed value to the lower of 3 percent or the Consumer Price Index. Over time, this cap can create a gap between market value and your assessed value. That gap is your SOH benefit.

Portability basics

Portability lets you transfer your SOH benefit to a new Florida homestead. When you buy another Florida home and make it your homestead, request portability during your new homestead application. The receiving county will calculate and apply the transferred amount under state rules.

Tips to capture your benefit

• When moving into Longwood from another Florida homestead, request portability on your Seminole County application.
• Keep paperwork from your prior county that shows your assessed value and SOH benefit.
• If you are moving from Longwood to another Florida county, ask both counties about timing so your benefit transfers correctly.

Avoid common mistakes

• Missing the March 1 deadline when you were eligible on January 1.
• Assuming a purchase after January 1 qualifies for the current year.
• Forgetting to update your Florida ID, voter registration, and vehicle tag to your new address.
• Not requesting portability when moving between Florida homesteads.
• Confusing the homestead tax exemption with Florida’s separate homestead protection laws.

Quick planning tips for buyers

• If you plan to close before year‑end and move in right away, organize proof of occupancy for January 1.
• If you close after January 1, mark your calendar to apply by next March 1.
• Keep your closing packet, utility setup confirmations, and updated IDs in one folder for easy filing.

Need local guidance?

If you are buying or selling in the Longwood and Lake Mary corridor, you do not have to navigate this alone. Get help planning your timeline, gathering the right documents, and aligning your move with homestead and portability rules. Schedule a free consultation with Gabriella Nystrom to talk through your next steps.

This article is for general information only. For specific eligibility or complex ownership questions, contact the Seminole County Property Appraiser or a qualified tax professional.

FAQs

What is the Florida homestead exemption for Longwood owners?

• It is a property tax exemption for your primary residence if you own and occupy the home on January 1 and file by March 1 with the county property appraiser.

Where do I apply for a Longwood home?

• Apply with the Seminole County Property Appraiser; if your home is in another county, file with that county’s property appraiser.

What is the deadline to file?

• The standard deadline is March 1 for the current tax year; if you miss it, contact the property appraiser promptly about late filing options.

What documents will I need to apply in Seminole County?

• Be ready with proof of ownership, Florida ID at the property address, voter and vehicle registration, recent utility bills, and Social Security numbers for owners.

How does Save Our Homes help me?

• It caps annual assessed value increases to the lower of 3 percent or the CPI, which can reduce your taxable value over time compared to market changes.

What is portability and how do I use it?

• Portability transfers your Save Our Homes benefit to a new Florida homestead; request it when you file for the new homestead so the county can apply the transfer.

I bought after January 1. Can I get the exemption this year?

• Usually no; you will apply for the next tax year and should plan to file by March 1 of the following year.

Can I claim homestead on two properties at once?

• No; you can only claim the exemption on your primary residence and cannot claim another homestead in Florida or any other state.