**Hello group!

Just a quick reminder that the deadline to file for your Florida Homestead
Exemption is March 1st.

Why file?
Firstly, if granted, you receive an automatic $25,000 exemption from your
property's assessed value. In other words, if your property's assessed
value is $500,000 and your tax rate is .015, then your annual property
taxes would normally be $7500. However, with a homestead exemption, your
taxes would be only $7125 - a savings of $375 per year ($500,000 - $25,000
= $475,000 x .015 = $7125). A 2% tax rate means property tax savings of
$500 per year - well worth filling out the one-page form.

Further, having your home classified as your homestead protects your home
from ever being sold to pay off debts from credit cards, judgements, etc.
Of course, tax liens and mortgage liens and resulting foreclosures still
apply.

Requirements for Homestead Exemption:
Apply by March 1.
Own the property on January 1.
Reside on the property on January 1.
You must be a permanent resident of the State of Florida on January 1. (no
previous residency required)
You must be a US citizen or have been granted a Permanent Resident Card on
or before January 1.

Other points of interest:
Widows and widowers receive an additional $500 exemption.
Disabled veterans with service-related disability can receive up to an
additional $5,000 exemption.
Disabled persons can actually be TOTALLY exempt from property taxes.
If you're over 65 and meet certain income requirements, you may also
qualify for total exemption.

How to apply?
Contact your County Property Appraiser's Office (in the government section
of your phone book). Some counties even allow you to apply online!

Thanks for being a member of our FREE E-newsletter "Miami Realty". We hope
you find this information useful.

Of course, if you or anyone you know is looking to sell or buy property in
Florida, please keep us in mind!

Cordially,

--Branon and Jelena

--Branon A. Edwards
Licensed Florida Realtor®
Direct Phone: 786-417-4910
Private Fax: 928-395-5204
mailto:Branon@...

Coldwell Banker® Residential Real Estate, Inc.
328 Crandon Blvd
Key Biscayne, FL 33149 USA

Main Phone: 305-361-5722 extension 876
Toll free: 800-905-2683
Fax: 305-361-6555

Visit Me at: http://www.FloridaMoves.com/Branon.Edwards