Buying a home in Freeport is exciting, but sorting out your homestead exemption can feel confusing. You might be wondering when to file, what to bring, or how Save Our Homes portability works if you moved from another Florida county. You are not alone. A few timely steps can lower your property tax bill and protect you from big jumps in assessed value.
In this guide, you will learn who qualifies, what forms and documents to prepare, how to file in Walton County by the key March 1 deadline, and how Save Our Homes and portability can help when you move. Let’s dive in.
What the homestead exemption does
Florida’s homestead exemption reduces the assessed value of your primary residence for property tax purposes. Most homeowners receive up to $50,000 in exempt assessed value. The first $25,000 applies to all taxing authorities. The additional $25,000 applies to non-school property taxes on the portion of assessed value above $50,000. For specifics and the most current guidance, review the Florida Department of Revenue’s overview of homestead exemptions and related benefits.
Lower assessed value usually means a lower tax bill. Once your homestead is in place, you may also qualify for other exemptions, such as senior, disability, or veteran-related benefits. These extras require separate applications and documentation.
Are you eligible in Walton County?
To claim homestead on a Freeport property, you must meet the statewide rules that local offices follow.
- You own the property or have a legal interest in it.
- The home is your permanent, primary residence on January 1 of the tax year you claim.
- You show intent to make Florida your permanent home, including Florida identification and registrations tied to the address.
- You are a Florida resident and can provide required identification. Qualified aliens may be eligible. Ask the property appraiser which documents apply.
Common special cases
- Purchases after January 1. If you buy and move in after January 1, you generally do not qualify for that tax year. You can file for the next tax year. If you are moving from another Florida homestead, you may be able to transfer your Save Our Homes benefit through portability. See the section on portability below.
- Co-ownership and trusts. Co-owned properties can qualify if an eligible owner occupies the home as a permanent residence. Trust-owned homes often qualify when the occupant is a beneficiary. Confirm details with the property appraiser.
- One homestead rule. You may only claim one Florida homestead exemption at a time.
Deadlines and local filing steps
Two dates matter most:
- January 1 ownership and occupancy test. You must own and occupy the home as your primary residence on January 1 of the tax year.
- March 1 filing deadline. File your initial homestead exemption application by March 1. Verify the current year’s deadline and any late-filing allowances with the county.
Here is how to file in Walton County:
Confirm eligibility as of January 1. Make sure you occupied the Freeport home as your permanent residence on that date.
Gather your documents. See the checklist below for typical items to bring.
Apply with the Walton County Property Appraiser. Many counties offer e-filing for speed and convenience. You can also file in person or by mail. Check the Walton County Property Appraiser’s site for the latest application options, office hours, and contacts. Start at the Walton County Property Appraiser homepage.
Request portability if moving within Florida. If you had a prior Florida homestead, indicate portability on your application and provide prior-year documentation showing your Save Our Homes difference. The property appraiser will outline what to submit and how they will calculate the transfer.
Watch for follow-up. The property appraiser may approve your application or request more information. Keep copies of all submissions and check mail or email for updates.
Quick examples
- Closed Dec 20, moved in Jan 2. You missed the January 1 occupancy requirement, so you would usually file for the next tax year. Ask the property appraiser about portability if you are moving from another Florida homestead.
- Closed Feb 15, moved in Feb 16. You typically would not qualify for that tax year. Plan to apply for the next one.
Save Our Homes and portability
Florida’s Save Our Homes (SOH) protects homesteaded owners from sharp increases in assessed value. Once your homestead is established, the assessed value cannot rise by more than the lesser of 3 percent or the change in the Consumer Price Index each year. Over time, this can create a gap between your home’s market value and its lower assessed value, which reduces your taxes.
If you move within Florida, portability lets you transfer some or all of that SOH benefit to your new homestead. Here is how to approach it:
- Ask for portability when you apply for homestead on the new home. The request is often part of the same application or a companion form.
- Provide proof of your previous Florida homestead and the SOH difference. A prior-year tax bill or a statement from the prior county’s property appraiser is commonly used.
- The Walton County Property Appraiser calculates and applies the transferable benefit to your new homestead based on current law.
Portability rules and filing windows are set by Florida law and can change. Before assuming a specific transfer amount, confirm the current limits and forms with the Florida Department of Revenue and the Walton County Property Appraiser.
Documents checklist
Bring originals or clear copies when filing in person, and upload clean scans if you e-file. The property appraiser may request more documentation based on your situation.
- Proof of ownership, such as a recorded deed or closing statement
- Florida driver license or state ID with your Freeport address
- Florida voter registration with the same address, if you are registered
- Florida vehicle registration
- Social Security number for verification
- Declaration of Domicile, if applicable
- Prior Florida homestead tax bill or portability certificate if you are transferring SOH
- Documents for any additional exemptions you may claim, such as veteran disability letters or age and income proof for senior exemptions
Audits, verification, and appeals
Property appraisers can verify eligibility and may conduct residency audits. Be prepared to show proof of intent and occupancy as of January 1. Keep supporting records like utility bills, USPS address change confirmations, and the dates you obtained Florida identification.
If an application is denied, you can ask about next steps or appeal through the county’s Value Adjustment Board process. If approved, the exemption will appear on the tax roll for that year. Your tax bill, issued later in the year, will reflect the reduced assessed value.
Who to contact and where to verify
- For eligibility, forms, filing options, and portability steps, start with the Walton County Property Appraiser.
- For tax bill payments and local payment deadlines, contact the Walton County Tax Collector.
- For statewide rules, forms, and brochures, review the Florida Department of Revenue’s property tax resources and related guidance.
A final tip: statutes and local procedures can change. Confirm the current March 1 deadline, late-filing options, and portability limits before you finalize plans.
Ready to make the most of your Freeport homestead benefits or plan a move with portability in mind? We are here to help you time your purchase, understand your options, and connect you with the right county resources so you can file with confidence. Reach out to schedule a quick consult with Michelle Thierwechter and let’s map out your next steps.
FAQs
What is Florida’s homestead exemption for a Freeport homeowner?
- It reduces the assessed value of your primary residence by up to $50,000, with the first $25,000 applying to all taxing authorities and the additional $25,000 typically applying to non-school taxes above $50,000.
When is the filing deadline in Walton County?
- The initial homestead application is due by March 1 of the tax year, with eligibility based on owning and occupying the home on January 1.
How does Save Our Homes protect me?
- Once your homestead is established, your assessed value cannot increase by more than the lesser of 3 percent or the change in CPI each year, which can reduce long-term tax increases.
Can I get the exemption if I bought after January 1?
- Generally no for that tax year, but you can apply for the next year and ask about portability if you are moving from a prior Florida homestead.
How does portability work when moving to Freeport?
- When you apply for homestead on your new Walton County home, request portability and provide documentation of your prior Florida homestead’s Save Our Homes difference so the property appraiser can calculate any transferable benefit.
Does the full $50,000 exemption apply to school taxes?
- The first $25,000 applies to all taxing authorities, while the additional $25,000 typically does not apply to school taxes.
When will I see the tax savings on my bill?
- After approval, the exemption appears on that year’s tax roll and the savings are reflected on the tax bill issued later in the year.
