By Katrina Scarborough, Osceola County Property Appraiser Office
Osceola County homeowners may be eligible for significant property tax savings by filing for the homestead exemption with the Osceola County Property Appraiser’s Office. This important exemption can reduce the taxable value of your primary residence and provide long-term financial benefits.
To qualify for the homestead exemption, you must own and occupy the property as your permanent residence as of Jan. 1 of the tax year for which you are applying. Eligible homeowners can receive a savings of up to $750 annually, depending on the taxing authorities.
In addition to immediate tax savings, the homestead exemption offers protection through the “Save Our Homes” assessment limitation, which caps annual increases in assessed value at 3% or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower. This can result in substantial savings over time, especially as property values increase.
Applications are accepted year-round with a statutory filing deadline of March 1, 2026. If you purchased your home prior to Jan. 1, 2026, and have made it your primary residence, do not delay; file today. Filing is easy and convenient.
Here are four ways to file:
Residents may apply online by clicking the ‘E-FILE HOMESTEAD’ circle on the main website page at www.property-appraiser.org.
Apply in person at the Osceola County Property Appraiser’s Office.
Apply in person at a local library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on select Saturdays in January and February.
- Saturday, Jan. 31: West Osceola Library – Celebration
- Saturday, Feb. 7: Hart Memorial Library – Downtown Kissimmee
- Saturday, Feb. 14: BVL Library
- Saturday, Feb. 21: Poinciana Library
- Saturday, Feb. 28: St. Cloud Library
Visit the Tax Collector Campbell City Branch every Wednesday in February from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Applicants must provide an updated Florida license and social security number. If you believe you may qualify, don’t miss this opportunity to reduce your property tax burden. The Osceola County Property Appraiser’s Office is here to help homeowners understand and access the tax-saving benefits they deserve.
For questions, please use the website and live chat feature at www.property-appraiser.org, or call 407-742-5000. Applicants may also email info@property-appraiser.org for assistance.
Orange County
Orange County homeowners need to go through a similar process to file their own homestead exemption. To do so, you can follow the following steps provided by the Orange County Property Appraiser’s Office:
The office mails all new homeowners an exemption letter approximately 6-8 weeks after their deed is recorded in the county records. This letter includes instructions on how to apply online, by mail or in person for homestead. You may also contact one of their constituent service specialists at (407) 836-5044 to have a letter mailed to you or you may download an application from our website and mail to our office. Please read all instructions carefully before submitting the application.
Online – Simply file online
By mail – Be sure to fill out the application COMPLETELY, sign and enclose copies of the required documentation and mail to the Exemption Department at:
Orange County Property Appraiser Attention: Exemptions
200 S Orange Ave, Suite 1700
Orlando, FL 32801
In person – Bring copies of all required documentation to the office at the above address, and they will fill the application out for you.