Florida Homestead Exemption For Milton–Pace Owners

Buying in Milton or Pace and hoping to lower your property tax bill? Florida’s homestead exemption can make a real difference when you live in the home as your primary residence. If you understand the rules and deadlines, you can unlock savings and protect yourself from sharp assessment jumps over time. In this guide, you’ll learn what the exemption does, who qualifies, how to apply in Santa Rosa County, and how the Save Our Homes cap and portability work. Let’s dive in.

What the homestead exemption does

Florida’s homestead exemption reduces the taxable assessed value of your primary residence. Qualifying owners can receive up to a $50,000 reduction in assessed value. The first $25,000 applies to all taxing authorities, including school taxes, and the additional up-to-$25,000 applies to non-school taxes on the portion of assessed value above $50,000. For a clear overview, review the Florida Department of Revenue’s homestead exemption guidance.

Beyond the exemption amount, homesteaded properties receive Save Our Homes protection. The Save Our Homes assessment cap limits annual increases in assessed value to a maximum of 3% or the change in CPI, whichever is lower. You can read more about the cap on the Florida Department of Revenue’s homeowner resources.

Florida law also allows portability. If you sell your Florida homestead and buy another Florida homestead, you may transfer some or all of your Save Our Homes benefit, subject to rules and deadlines outlined by the state and your county. For a statewide overview, see the Department of Revenue’s portability information.

Who qualifies in Milton and Pace

To qualify, the property must be your permanent residence and you must be a Florida resident domiciled at the property as of January 1 of the tax year you’re applying for. You must also hold legal or equitable title to the property. These rules are set by state law in Florida Statutes, Chapter 196.

In Santa Rosa County, the Property Appraiser’s office receives and reviews homestead applications. Local forms, checklists, and office details are available through the Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser.

Proof of domicile and documents

Santa Rosa County may request originals or copies. Common items include:

• Proof of ownership, such as a deed or closing statement
• Florida driver’s license or state ID with your Santa Rosa County address
• Florida vehicle registration
• Florida voter registration
• Utility bills or similar documents showing your intent to reside
• Social Security number as requested on the application

You can also file a Declaration of Domicile, which some owners use as supporting evidence. Active-duty military who are domiciled in Florida may qualify while deployed; documentation rules apply. Always confirm the current list of required items with the Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser.

Deadlines and how to file in Santa Rosa County

You must be living in the home as your permanent residence on January 1 of the tax year to claim the exemption for that year. Initial applications are typically due by March 1 with the Property Appraiser.

• If you close and move in before January 1, you can apply for that upcoming tax year and should file by March 1.
• If you move in after January 1, you will generally apply the following year by March 1.

File with the Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser. Some counties accept online applications for first-time filers, while others require in-person verification. Check the county’s site for current instructions, hours, and any online options. For related residency steps like vehicle registration, the Santa Rosa County Tax Collector can help.

After you file, the Property Appraiser reviews your application. If granted, the exemption appears on the next tax roll. If denied, you will receive a letter with reasons and information on how to correct issues or appeal.

Save Our Homes portability in practice

Portability lets you transfer your Save Our Homes benefit from one Florida homestead to another. This benefit is the difference between your market value and your capped assessed value. When you move, you can apply to transfer some or all of that difference to your new Florida homestead, subject to state rules and deadlines. For the statewide framework, visit the Florida Department of Revenue’s homeowner resources, and ask the Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser about local procedures.

Quick checklist for Milton-Pace homeowners

• Confirm you were domiciled in the home on January 1 of the tax year.
• Gather proof: deed or closing statement, Florida driver’s license or ID, vehicle registration, voter registration, and recent utility bill.
• File your homestead application with the Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser by March 1.
• Ask about portability if you owned a previous Florida homestead.
• If you qualify for additional exemptions, such as for seniors, veterans, or disability, request those applications.

Common scenarios you might face

Bought in February

If you bought your Milton or Pace home in February and moved in after January 1, you generally cannot receive the exemption for that year. Plan to apply the following year and file by March 1.

Moving within Florida

If you are selling one Florida homestead and buying another, ask about portability. You may be able to transfer your Save Our Homes benefit to your new primary residence, within state rules and timelines outlined by the state and county.

Temporarily away for work or deployment

Domicile can be complex for people with multi-state ties or military deployments. The homestead rules focus on your permanent residence. Contact the Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser for guidance on what documents to provide in your situation.

Estimating your tax savings

Homestead exemption lowers your assessed value, not your tax bill by a fixed dollar amount. Your actual savings depend on local millage rates and whether the additional $25,000 portion applies to non-school taxes on assessed value above $50,000. To understand your likely savings, subtract the exemption amount from your assessed value and apply local millage rates. For the latest local information, start with the Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser and the Florida Department of Revenue’s homestead overview.

Your next step

If you are planning a move in Milton or Pace, it helps to line up your homestead timeline with your closing date. The right strategy can ensure you meet the January 1 residency rule and file by March 1. If you want local guidance while you buy or sell, reach out to The Sunchase Team. We are here to answer questions and make your next move feel simple.

FAQs

What is the Florida homestead exemption for Santa Rosa County homeowners?

• It reduces the taxable assessed value of your primary residence by up to $50,000 and includes Save Our Homes assessment-cap protection, as outlined by the Florida Department of Revenue.

When is the filing deadline in Santa Rosa County?

• Initial applications are generally due by March 1 for the tax year in which you are claiming the exemption. Apply through the Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser.

Do I qualify if I bought my Milton home after January 1?

• If you were not domiciled in the home on January 1 of that year, you typically will not receive that year’s exemption and should apply the following year by March 1.

How does the Save Our Homes cap work for Milton-Pace owners?

• Once you have homestead, annual increases in assessed value are limited to 3% or the change in CPI, whichever is lower, per the Florida Department of Revenue.

Can I transfer my Save Our Homes benefit when I move within Florida?

• Yes. Portability allows you to transfer some or all of your Save Our Homes benefit to a new Florida homestead within rules and deadlines. See the Department of Revenue’s portability overview and check with the county.

Where do I apply and what documents do I need in Santa Rosa County?

• Apply with the Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser. Common documents include proof of ownership, Florida ID with your local address, vehicle and voter registrations, and a recent utility bill.

What if my application is denied or my assessment seems wrong?

• You will receive a letter explaining the denial and options to correct or appeal. You can also appeal assessed or just value through county processes. Start with the Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser for steps and timelines.