Homestead Tax (real estate, condo, title)

[Jannie]

Does anyone know if I can apply for Homestead exemption? My residence is in New York but I own a condo in Florida for a few years and I never did apply . Now my real estate tax has increased to $1900. Do I have to change my residency to Florida? or am I out of luck.

[sunrico90]

Originally Posted by Jannie

Does anyone know if I can apply for Homestead exemption? My residence is in New York but I own a condo in Florida for a few years and I never did apply . Now my real estate tax has increased to $1900. Do I have to change my residency to Florida? or am I out of luck.

See below for definition and I believe that you cannot claim if you did not reside in the state.

Every person who has legal or equitable title to real property in the State of Florida and who resides on the property on January 1 and in good faith makes it his or her permanent home is eligible for a homestead exemption. If title is held by the husband alone, a wife may file for him, with his consent, and vice-versa. If property is held by the entireties, one spouse may file as agent for the other.

If filing for the first time, be prepared to answer these questions:

1. In whose name or names was the title to the dwelling recorded as of January 1?
2. What is the street address of the property?
3. How long have you been a legal resident of the State of Florida? (A Declaration of Domicile or Voter's Registration will be proof of date before January 1.)
4. Do you have a Florida license plate on your car and a Florida driver's license?
5. Were you living in the dwelling on January 1?

[bnepler]

Your out of luck, unless you move to Florida this year and next year you can claim the "Homestead".