Donegan: Apply for Homestead

I would like homeowners to be aware that now is the time to file for homestead exemption.

Those who bought and occupied a home prior to Jan. 1, 2012 may be eligible for a significant tax savings—an average of $742 annually for most homeowners.

The Property Appraiser’s website has a simple and quick feature that allows residents to file online, making it easy for residential property owners to file from the convenience of their home for the up to $50,000 homestead exemption deduction. Visit www.ocpafl.org.

All new homeowners were mailed a letter four to six weeks following the recording of their deed that contained information on filing homestead exemption. Current property owners who have experienced a transfer of title, such as an addition or removal of a name on the title, name change from divorce, death of a spouse or establishing a trust, were also mailed a letter and will need to re-file for the exemption.

The letter contains an individually assigned user ID and password for safe and secure online filing. Also enclosed are instructions to file by mail if no internet access is available.

We are extremely pleased to be able to take the lead in Florida by offering this service to our customers. In these busy times, the on-line application process delivers on my promise to provide easier, quicker and friendlier service to Orange County property owners.

Bill Donegan, Orange County Property Appraiser