Requirements to Qualify for Tax Exemption
Sarasota, FL County Property Appraiser

Homestead Exemption:

In order to file for a Homestead Exemption for the first time, each person having legal title to the property and residing thereon must meet the following qualifications:
1) Be permanently residing on the property
2) Have equitable title to the property
3) Have established permanent residence in the State of Florida by one of the following:
   a. Register to vote or
   b. File a Declaration of Domicile with the Clerk of Circuit Court. (If the property owner is not a U.S. citizen, he must have a permanent Visa Card in addition to a Declaration of Domicile.)
4) Hold valid Florida Driver’s License. (Applicant must relinquish any other state licenses.
5) Have Florida vehicle tags for each privately owned vehicle.

Filing Date and Place:

Initial application for Homestead Exemption may be filed at any time, in person, on or before March 1st of the year for which the exemption applies at either of the 2 offices below:
1) Main office, 2001 Adams Ln, Sarasota, FL 34237 (941-951-5650)
2) S. County Office, 4000 S. Trail, Rm 115, Venice, FL 34293 (941-492-3030)

Documents Required:

In order to file for a Homestead Exemption, applicants must bring with them the following documents as proof of ownership and Florida residence:
1) Deed or Tax Bill for the property
2) Voter’s Card or Declaration of Domicile
3) Florida Driver’s License
4) Florida Vehicle Registration
5) Social Security Number

Additional Exemptions:

There are additional exemptions available such as Widow’s, Widower’s, Medical Disability and Service Connected Disabilities. For complete information regarding these exemptions, contact the Sarasota Property Appraiser’s Office at 941-951-5650.