The Florida Constitution provides the benefit of homestead exemption to reduce the property tax burden of Florida citizens who use their property as their primary residence. In Nassau County, the $50,000 homestead exemption saves qualified residents over $700 in taxes per year. Additionally, the cumulative benefits accrued by having assessments capped each year under the provisions of the Save Our Homes Amendment to the Florida Constitution may benefit qualified residents by reducing their tax burden by hundreds of dollars more.

Our office makes every effort to ensure the homeowners of Nassau County understand the exemption process. Through our compliance team, if we uncover an improper homestead exemption, the homeowner could face a lien with severe penalties and interest to collect escaped taxes due to the improper tax exemption. [F.S. 196.011(9)] Florida law states it is the responsibility of the property owner to notify the Property Appraiser’s office if their homestead property is no longer their permanent residence.

The penalties for claiming an exemption when you are not eligible are severe. According to Sections 193.155 (9) and 196.161 of the Florida Statutes, owners who claim but are not entitled to a homestead and other exemptions may have a tax lien placed against their properties, be back taxed for up to 10 years (as applicable), be required to pay a substantial penalty (50% of the unpaid taxes for each year) and pay an interest rate of 15% per year.