I used Heidi Webb to update my Revocable Trust, Will, and LLC after the passing of my wife. I can not say enough good things of her service. She was very attentive to my needs during a difficult time and offered very good advise on how I should have things updated. She is very knowledgeable in this area of law. She always took the time to listen and make recommendations based on my needs. She even took the time to meet with my son who is the executor of my will to explain everything that he would be responsible for after my passing which was important to me and my son. She made me feel very comfortable whenever we met and explained everything in language that I would understand. I would be remiss in not stating that her staff is outstanding and always followed up with my calls. I would highly recommend her and staff for all of your legal needs.

~ John W

My wife, Patsy, and I were recommended to call Heidi for Estate Planning by some of our neighbors in Margaritaville located in Daytona Beach. We worked with Heidi to develop a complete estate plan with a trust, wills, power of attorney, etc. We have a large family and this covered all of our personal assets and our small business. Heidi has a wealth of experience & knowledge, is pleasant and easy to work with. We have the utmost confidence in Heidi and asked her to be the Executor of our Estate. We recommend her to anyone who has estate planning needs

~ Gary B

The Clock is Ticking: How to Secure Your Florida Homestead Tax Exemption Before the Deadline

As March 1, 2024, approaches, Florida homeowners should be marking their calendars. This date isn’t just signaling the end of winter—it’s also the statutory deadline to apply for the Florida Homestead Tax Exemption. If you’re a homeowner in the Sunshine State, missing this date could mean forfeiting a valuable tax advantage.

Understanding the Homestead Exemption

The Florida Homestead Tax Exemption is a dual benefit designed to give eligible homeowners:

Up to $50,000.00 off the taxable value of their homestead property.
The “Save Our Homes” cap, which limits any increase to the assessed value of the property for tax purposes to 3% annually.

If you’ve recently acquired a residence, to enjoy these benefits, you must apply for the exemption after your purchase. It’s crucial to note that the exemption applies to the homeowner, not the property. So even if the previous owner received the exemption, you must reapply to continue the benefits under your ownership.

Don’t Miss the Deadline

Failing to file on time means waiving your exemption for the year. While Florida law permits late filing under certain “extenuating circumstances” after the TRIM (Truth in Millage) Notice is issued, approval for late exemption is at the discretion of the property appraiser. Rather than risk it, it’s wise to file before the deadline to ensure your exemption is secured.

What You’ll Need

First-time filers, be ready to provide:

Names on the title as of January 1.
Social Security numbers for you and your spouse.
Residency details as of January 1.
Other residency claims, if applicable.

You may also need to provide:

Evidence of relinquishing an out-of-state driver’s license.
Florida vehicle license plate and voter registration numbers.
Declaration of domicile and residency date.
Proof of employment, IRS return address, children’s school locations, bank statement, and utility payment receipts.

Beyond Tax Savings: Protection from Creditors

The Homestead Exemption does more than save on taxes; it offers protection against creditors, excluding the IRS, safeguarding your home from unforeseen financial claims. Additionally, it facilitates the transfer of your homestead through probate, easing the process for your heirs.

Act Now

Don’t let the Homestead Exemption slip through your fingers. Ensure you apply before the March 1 deadline and take a step toward financial prudence and peace of mind. Should you have questions or need assistance navigating the application process, don’t hesitate to reach out to your estate planning attorney.

For more information on the Homestead Tax Exemption and to begin your application, visit the Appraiser online portals for the county in which you reside in Florida. If you are in Volusia County, click here.

Heidi S. Webb, Attorney at Law, serves clients in Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, Port Orange, and beyond with matters of Estate Planning and Probate. Contact her today to schedule a free consultation. Visit her page on Facebook, or see what her clients are saying to learn more about Heidi.

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