Florida’s Homestead Exemption is a valuable property tax benefit designed to reduce the taxable value of a primary residence for eligible homeowners. In Brevard County, this exemption can result in substantial annual savings, making it one of the most important tools for property owners seeking to lower their tax burden. To make the process easier, the Brevard County Property Appraiser’s Office offers a user-friendly online application system for first-time applicants. This digital option eliminates the need to apply in person, saving time and effort for residents.
Whether you’re a new homeowner in Brevard County or recently made the property your permanent residence, filing online is a fast and efficient way to claim your exemption. In the sections that follow, we’ll cover what the homestead exemption is, who qualifies, and provide a step-by-step guide to help you complete your application quickly and accurately—entirely from the comfort of your home.
What Is the Homestead Exemption?
The Homestead Exemption is a valuable property tax benefit available to Florida residents who make a home their permanent and primary residence. Administered by the Brevard County Property Appraiser’s Office, this exemption helps qualified homeowners significantly reduce the taxable value of their property, leading to lower annual property tax bills.
For many homeowners in Brevard County, this exemption translates to hundreds—even thousands—of dollars in savings each year. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or have recently changed your legal residency, understanding this benefit is key to long-term financial planning.
Key Benefits of the Homestead Exemption:
- Up to $25,000 Exemption
Applies to all property taxes, including those levied by school districts. This is available for the first $50,000 of your property’s assessed value. - An Additional $25,000 Exemption
For homes assessed over $50,000, an additional $25,000 exemption is applied—but only to non-school taxes. This increases your total possible exemption to $50,000. - Save Our Homes (SOH) Cap
Once the exemption is in place, the Save Our Homes provision limits the annual increase in assessed value to 3% or the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is lower. This means your property taxes remain predictable—even if your home’s market value rises rapidly.
Who Qualifies for Homestead Exemption?
To receive the Homestead Exemption in Brevard County, Florida, you must meet specific eligibility criteria set by state law. This benefit is designed for homeowners who use their property as their permanent legal residence, not as a rental, vacation home, or investment property.
Basic Eligibility Requirements:
To qualify, you must:
- Own the property and hold the title to the residence.
- Occupy the home as your primary and permanent residence on or before January 1st of the year for which the exemption is claimed.
- Be a U.S. citizen or a lawfully documented permanent resident of the United States.
- Submit your application no later than March 1st of the tax year to receive the benefit for that year.
Important Notes:
- Only one Homestead Exemption is allowed per family unit (married couples are considered a single unit) — regardless of how many properties are owned in Florida.
- You do not need to reapply each year once your exemption is approved—renewals are automatic unless your status changes.
- Changes in ownership, marital status, or residency may affect your exemption status and must be reported to the Property Appraiser’s Office.
Required Information for Online Filing
Filing for the Homestead Exemption online in Brevard County is fast and convenient—but to ensure a smooth application process, it’s important to gather all required documents and details in advance. This helps prevent delays and ensures your eligibility is verified without the need for follow-up requests.
Before You Begin Your Application, Make Sure You Have:
- Florida Driver’s License or Florida State ID
Must show your current Brevard County address that matches the property you’re applying for. - Vehicle Registration (Florida Tag)
Your vehicle must be registered in Florida and reflect your Brevard County residency. - Florida Voter Registration (if applicable)
For U.S. citizens, voter registration should also list the Brevard property address as your legal residence. - Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Legal Residency
Acceptable documentation includes a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or green card for lawful permanent residents. - Property’s Parcel ID Number
This can be found using the Brevard County Property Appraiser’s Property Search Tool online. It uniquely identifies your property within county records. - Social Security Numbers for All Applicants
Required for verification and fraud prevention. The SSNs of all owners applying for the exemption must be included. - Date You Moved Into the Property
You must provide the exact or approximate date you established permanent residency at the property.
How to File for Homestead Exemption Online in Brevard County
Filing for a Homestead Exemption in Brevard County has never been easier, thanks to the secure and convenient online application system provided by the Brevard County Property Appraiser. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you file your application efficiently—right from your computer or mobile device.
Access the Official Online Portal
Go to the Brevard County Property Appraiser’s official website and look for the option labeled “File for Homestead Exemption Online.” This link will take you directly to the secure application portal.
Locate Your Property Record
Use the search function to find your property. You can search by:
- Property address
- Owner’s full name
- Parcel (Folio) ID number
Once you locate your record, confirm that all information is accurate.
Begin the Online Application
Click the “Apply Now” button associated with your property listing. This will open the digital form where you’ll enter your application details.
Enter Applicant Information
Fill in your personal information, including:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Social Security number (required for all applicants)
- Marital status
- Contact information (email and phone number)
Upload Required Supporting Documents
Upload clear copies or digital scans of the following:
- Florida Driver’s License or State ID (showing your Brevard County address)
- Vehicle Registration (with Florida tag and correct address)
- Florida Voter Registration Card (if applicable)
- Proof of Legal Residency (such as a green card or naturalization certificate, for non-citizens)
Review and Submit Your Application
Carefully double-check all entered information and uploaded documents. Once you’re confident everything is accurate, click “Submit Application.”
You will receive a confirmation email after submission. The Property Appraiser’s Office will contact you if additional information is needed or once your exemption is approved.
Other Exemptions You Can Apply For
While completing your Homestead Exemption application online through the Brevard County Property Appraiser’s website, you may also qualify for — and apply for — other valuable property tax exemptions. These can further reduce your tax liability if you meet specific criteria.
Available Additional Exemptions:
- Senior Citizen Exemption
If you are 65 years of age or older and meet household income limits set by the Florida Department of Revenue, you may be eligible for an additional exemption. - Widow or Widower Exemption
Surviving spouses who have not remarried may qualify for a small reduction in assessed value. - Disability Exemption
Available for Florida residents with a permanent disability, including those who are blind or use a wheelchair. The degree and type of disability may affect the amount of exemption. - Disabled Veterans Exemption
Veterans with a service-connected disability may qualify for a partial or full exemption, depending on their disability rating and discharge status. - First Responder Exemption
Offered to first responders who became totally and permanently disabled in the line of duty. This includes law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics.
Important Notes:
- Each exemption has its own eligibility requirements and may require supporting documentation such as medical records, income verification, or proof of service.
- You can indicate interest in these exemptions during the online Homestead Exemption application process.
- The Property Appraiser’s Office may contact you for additional forms or documentation if you qualify.
Filing Deadlines & Confirmation
Understanding the timeline for your Homestead Exemption application is crucial to ensure you don’t miss out on valuable tax savings.
Filing Deadline
- March 1st is the official deadline to file for a Homestead Exemption in Brevard County.
- Your application must be submitted on or before this date to qualify for the exemption for that tax year.
Effective Year
- If approved, the exemption will apply to the tax year following your application.
For example, if you file by March 1, 2025, your exemption would be applied to the 2025 tax roll and reflected in your November 2025 tax bill.
Confirmation of Status
- Once your application is reviewed, you will receive an official letter of approval or denial from the Brevard County Property Appraiser’s Office.
- This notice will be mailed to the address on file and may include additional instructions if more documentation is required or if corrections are needed.
Important: Keep a copy of your confirmation email or printed receipt from the online filing portal for your records.
After You File – What’s Next?
After submitting your Homestead Exemption application through the Brevard County Property Appraiser’s online system, here’s what to expect:
Application Review by the Property Appraiser’s Office
Your submission will be carefully reviewed to ensure all required documents and details are complete and accurate. The office may verify your residency, ownership, and other eligibility factors.
Contact If Additional Information Is Needed
If your application is missing documentation or requires clarification, the Property Appraiser’s Office will contact you directly by phone, email, or mail. Be sure to monitor your email inbox and respond promptly to avoid delays.
Approval & TRIM Notice
Once approved, your Homestead Exemption will be officially applied to your property’s assessment. This change will be visible on your TRIM (Truth in Millage) notice, which is mailed every August.
- The TRIM notice outlines your property’s assessed value, any exemptions applied, and estimated taxes for the upcoming year.
Tip: Always review your TRIM notice carefully. If your exemption does not appear or seems incorrect, contact the Property Appraiser’s Office immediately to resolve the issue before your final tax bill is issued.
Need Help with Your Application?
If you have questions about your Homestead Exemption application or run into any technical issues during the online filing process, help is readily available.
Contact the Brevard County Property Appraiser’s Office:
- Phone: Call the main office at (321) 264-6700 for direct assistance from the exemptions department.
- Email: Reach out via email at exemptions@bcpao.us. Be sure to include your name, property address, and a clear description of your issue.
- Website: Visit the official website at www.bcpao.us for access to FAQs, forms, office locations, and additional resources.
Prefer In-Person Assistance?
You can also apply or get help in person at any of the Brevard County Property Appraiser’s branch offices. Staff are available to guide you through the process, answer eligibility questions, and ensure you’ve submitted all required documentation.
Pro Tip: Have your supporting documents ready when calling or visiting to speed up the process.
FAQ’s
Filing for the Homestead Exemption can raise many common questions. Below, we address some of the most frequently asked questions to help you better understand the process, deadlines, and what to expect after you file. If you have other concerns, don’t hesitate to contact the Brevard County Property Appraiser’s Office for personalized assistance.
Can I file after the March 1st deadline?
While the official deadline for filing the Homestead Exemption is March 1st of the tax year, late applications may still be considered under certain circumstances. To qualify for late filing, you must provide valid documentation of extenuating circumstances that prevented you from submitting on time. Approval of late applications is not guaranteed and requires review by the Property Appraiser’s Office. It’s best to file as early as possible to avoid delays or denial.
Do I need to reapply for the exemption every year?
No, you do not need to reapply annually once your Homestead Exemption is granted. The exemption automatically renews each year, provided that you continue to meet the eligibility requirements and the property remains your permanent primary residence. However, if your residency status changes or you move, you should inform the Property Appraiser’s Office immediately.
What happens if I move or sell my home?
If you move to a new primary residence within Florida, it’s important to notify the Property Appraiser’s Office as soon as possible. You may be eligible to transfer, or “port,” your Save Our Homes benefit, which caps the increase in assessed value on your new property. Selling your home means you will no longer qualify for the exemption on that property, so timely communication ensures your benefits are properly applied to your new residence or concluded accordingly.
Filing for a Homestead Exemption online in Brevard County is fast, secure, and convenient. With substantial tax savings available, eligible homeowners are encouraged to file as soon as possible and ensure all documentation is in order. The online portal reflects Brevard County’s commitment to transparency and digital accessibility for all property owners.