Hillsborough County Homestead Exemption 2026

If you own and live in your Hillsborough County (Tampa) home, the homestead exemption takes up to $50,000 off your taxable value and adds the Save Our Homes 3% cap. Here's how to file with the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser, the March 1 deadline, and the senior rules.

📅 Last updated: Aug 2026 · Sources: Hillsborough County Property Appraiser, Florida DOR

💵 Up to $50,000 📉 Save Our Homes 3% cap 🗓️ File by March 1

Hillsborough County applies Florida's statewide homestead exemption — up to $50,000 plus the Save Our Homes 3% cap — administered by the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser. It's free, you file once, and it renews automatically.

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How to file a homestead exemption in Hillsborough County

Own and permanently reside in the Hillsborough County home as of January 1.
Apply with the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser at www.hcpafl.org — online is the fastest route.
Provide Florida proof of residency: driver's license, voter registration or vehicle registration at the address.
File by March 1. Once granted, it renews automatically every year.

How much you save in Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County homeowners receive the full Florida exemption of up to $50,000 (first $25,000 on all taxes, second $25,000 on value above $50,000 excluding school taxes). With rising values, the Save Our Homes 3% cap is often the biggest long-term saving — the longer you own, the wider the gap between market and taxable value, and portability lets you carry that benefit to your next Florida home. Try the Florida property tax calculator.

Senior, veteran & other Hillsborough County exemptions

Additional exemptions stack on top of the standard homestead exemption:

Low-Income Senior Exemption — for residents 65+ meeting the annual income limit.
Widow/widower, disability and blind exemptions.
Veteran and first-responder exemptions, including discounts for combat-disabled veterans.

Amounts and limits are set annually — confirm current figures with the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser.

Documents you need to file in Hillsborough County

The Hillsborough County Property Appraiser confirms permanent Florida residency from a few documents, all showing the Hillsborough County property address: your Florida driver's license or ID card, Florida vehicle registration, and Florida voter registration (or a declaration of domicile if you don't vote). You must have made the home your permanent residence by January 1 of the year you're claiming. Have these ready before you begin the online application — it makes the process a few minutes' work.

How to check your Hillsborough County homestead status

Not sure whether your exemption is already in place? Look up your property record on the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser website (www.hcpafl.org), where each parcel lists the exemptions applied to it. You'll also see it on your annual TRIM (proposed tax) notice. This matters most in the year after you buy: a previous owner's homestead exemption does not transfer to you, so a newly purchased Hillsborough County home often shows no exemption until you file your own application. If yours is missing, apply with the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser before the March 1 deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I file for a homestead exemption in Hillsborough County? +

File with the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser at www.hcpafl.org — most offer free online filing. You must have owned and permanently resided in the home as of January 1 and provide Florida proof of residency such as a driver's license, voter registration or vehicle registration at the property address.

How much is the Hillsborough County homestead exemption? +

Hillsborough County applies Florida's statewide homestead exemption of up to $50,000 (the first $25,000 on all taxes, a second $25,000 on assessed value between $50,000 and $75,000 excluding school taxes), plus the Save Our Homes 3% cap on annual assessment increases.

What is the deadline to file in Hillsborough County? +

March 1. You must own and permanently reside in the property as of January 1 and file with the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser by March 1 for that tax year. Once granted, the exemption renews automatically each year.

Does Hillsborough County offer a senior homestead exemption? +

Yes. In addition to the standard homestead exemption, Hillsborough County offers a Low-Income Senior Exemption for residents aged 65+ who meet the state income limit. Amounts and limits are set annually — confirm current figures with the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser.

Can I transfer my homestead savings to a new Hillsborough County home? +

Yes, through Florida portability. You can move your accumulated Save Our Homes benefit (up to $500,000) from a previous Florida homestead to your new Hillsborough County home by filing Form DR-501T with your new application, generally within three tax years.

Do I have to reapply for my Hillsborough County homestead exemption every year? +

No. Once the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser grants your exemption it renews automatically each year while you own and permanently reside in the home. You only reapply if you move or lose eligibility.

Can I file my Hillsborough County homestead exemption online? +

Yes. The Hillsborough County Property Appraiser offers an online homestead application at www.hcpafl.org, which is the fastest way to apply. You can also file by mail or in person. Applying for the homestead exemption is free.

What documents do I need to file in Hillsborough County? +

Florida proof that the home was your permanent residence as of January 1 — typically a Florida driver's license, Florida voter registration, or Florida vehicle registration showing the Hillsborough County property address. The Hillsborough County Property Appraiser uses these to confirm permanent residency.

What happens if I miss the March 1 deadline in Hillsborough County? +

You can file a late application with the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser before the county certifies the tax roll, and if you show good cause the exemption may still be granted for that year. Otherwise you must wait and file by March 1 for the following year.

How do I check my Hillsborough County homestead exemption status? +

Search your property record on the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser website (www.hcpafl.org) or review your TRIM (proposed tax) notice — both list the exemptions applied to your home. If you recently purchased the property, the seller's exemption does not transfer, so verify your own application was approved.

Florida Homestead Exemption — full statewide rules.
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Broward County Homestead Exemption
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Palm Beach County Homestead Exemption
Florida Property Tax Calculator

⚠️ General information, not tax or legal advice. Homestead exemptions in Hillsborough County are administered by the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser under Florida law; amounts, limits and deadlines can change. Confirm current rules before filing.