Homestead exemption filing period has started
The 2010 Homestead Exemption filing period began Jan. 4, 2010. The timely filing deadline is March 1, at 5 p.m. Applications made after the March 1 deadline are considered late filed and may not be approved for the current year. If you believe you qualify for exemption, please make application so that the appraiser may determine your eligibility.
If you have recently purchased and moved to a new home it’s time to file for your homestead exemption for 2010. For persons who own and reside in their new residence as of Jan. 1, 2010, you need to file for homestead exemption and may be eligible for portability of your Save Our Homes differential. Homestead exemption allows up to a $50,000 reduction in assessed value of your property. You must apply in order to qualify, the exemption at your previous home isn’t “automatically transferred” to the new home.
To assist you in filing, you may use our on-line exemption application services – visit the Web site at www.leepa.org. For filing by mail, visit our website to download the instruction and application. Mail your application and supporting documents to: Lee County Property Appraiser’s Office P O. Box 1546, Fort Myers, Florida 33902. To file in person go to the third Floor of the Constitutional Complex, 2480 Thompson Street, Fort Myers.
In order to qualify for 2010 homestead exemption you need to own the property (have legal title) and actually permanently occupy (reside) at the property as of Jan. 1. Specific documents are required in order to prove you are a Florida resident ( a detailed description of all qualifications is listed at the end of this message.)
You must have a Florida Driver’s License, Lee County voter registration (non-voters and non-citizens must complete a Declaration of Domicile which can be done at the Appraiser’s Office) and you must have Florida vehicle license tags on at least one vehicle owned by you. Non-citizens must also be in possession of proof of permanent resident status such as a Permanent Resident Alien card or documentation of Asylum. All residency documents must be issued to you showing your new homestead address at the time you apply. Social security numbers for applicants (and spouse of applicant) are required. You must have the homestead address listed as your residence on your drivers license application and voter registration information in order to qualify.
Applicant’s who received homestead exemption in Florida at their previous homestead for tax year 2008 or 2009 may qualify for portability of the Save Our Homes differential for tax year 2010. Applications for portability should be completed at the time you file for your homestead exemption at your new residence and can be obtained on the Web site or at the appraiser’s office.
Additional exemptions are available for widows, widowers. A copy of your spouse’s death certificate is required along with an updated application for exemption. Exemptions are available for disabled veterans (and veteran’s surviving spouse) and non-veterans. Proof of total and permanent disability is required. Visit the Web site for additional information.
Please don’t wait till the last minute or forget to get your driver’s license, voter registration or other documents updated in time to qualify for 2010. Don’t delay, applicant’s who are unable to file as of the March 1 deadline may be required to prove extenuating circumstances in order to late file their application.
*For persons who must late file an application due to extenuating circumstances, you must have all residency documents issued to you as of April 1, 2010 in order to qualify.
Late filed applications cannot be accepted for review/approval after the TRIM deadline review the Notice of Proposed Taxes (TRIM Notice) for late file deadline date.
Source: the Lee County Property Appraiser’s Office