Florida Homestead Exemption Deadline March 3

I wanted to make sure you and your friends/family do not miss an opportunity to save tax money in this difficult year, so the below is a reminder and overview of the Florida Homestead Exemption. Note that the deadline for filing is March 3.
 
If you do not own a primary residence in Florida or this does not apply to you, I am sure your friends and/or family who already own or are considering owning would appreciate if you forward this to them as a reminder/review. It could save them lots of $$.
 
What are the benefits of the Homestead Exemption?
The highlights for most Florida residents are:
-Save our Homes benefits caps yearly property tax increases at 3%
-$50,000 reduction in the assessed taxable value of your property -Portability benefits
Click here for a full review of the current exemptions.

Who qualifies for Homestead Exemption?
-U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien
-Living in the property starting January 1, 2009
-Resident of Florida
 
How and When to Apply
-Between January 2 and March 3 HURRY!
Click here to download exemption form and for filing instructions
 
Already applied for homestead exemption in previous years?
Make sure that you received your "2009 Automatic Residential Renewal Receipt". If you didn't, make sure that you are still listed as exempt and that the county has your correct tax mailing address, which is not always the same as your property address.   How does the county assess the value of my property? The county uses data about market sales on or before January 1 of the tax year, but this year is going to be "tricky" due to the large number of distressed sales. Click here for a PDF about how the county uses short sales and foreclosures in their assessment of value.
 
Feel free to send me an e-mail via ActiveRain or give me a call at 305-725-0566 if you have any questions about this.

P.S. I hope you found this information useful! If you did, please pass it on to your friends and family. I am sure they would want to know too.