Renting your Homestead
If you receive a Florida Homestead Exemption on your property, renting the home may affect your eligibility to keep that exemption. Before offering your property for rent, it is important to understand the rules and potential tax consequences.
Homestead Exemption saves property owners thousands of dollars each year. Do not jeopardize your Homestead Exemption by renting your property. Homestead exemptions provides two key savings:
Up to a $50,000 exemption on property taxes.
To a maximum of 3% per year, which is commonly referred to as the Save Our Homes cap. Only those portions of the property used as the homestead are eligible for the Save Our Homes cap.
What to Know
Renting the property for extended or recurring periods may affect eligibility for the exemption. Taxpayers who intend to rent their homesteaded property should contact our office to discuss how the rental may impact their exemption.
Very limited, short‑term rentals can be permissible without immediate loss of the exemption, as long as you stay within the allowed timeframe. Exceeding it in back‑to‑back years triggers loss of the benefit.
If you continue living in the home and rent only a portion (for example, a room or accessory unit), the exemption may be prorated depending on use. These situations are fact‑specific.
What property owners should do
If your property has a Homestead Exemption and you are considering short‑term rentals, contact the Duval County Property Appraiser’s Office first to understand how your plans could affect your exemption.
If your rental activity may exceed allowable limits, you may need to inform the Property Appraiser and adjust your exemption status.
The Property Appraiser can explain how the rules apply to your home (entire‑home rental vs. partial rental, timing, and duration) and help you avoid unexpected tax changes.
Why this matters
The Homestead Exemption can save hundreds or thousands of dollars each year. Renting without understanding the rules can result in losing the exemption and a higher tax bill. Getting guidance up front helps you stay compliant and protect your benefit.
For more information, to obtain forms, or file online for Homestead Exemption visit www.duvalpa.com or call the Customer Service/Exemptions Compliance Division
(904) 255-5900 7:30a.m. to 5:30p.m. weekdays