Homestead Exemption Instructions

Important Notice About Filing Your Application:



To make application by mail and to qualify for this exemption, all applicants must complete the application by March 1. Applications post marked after March 1st may be granted for the following Tax Year. AFTER the MARCH 1st deadline, if you have been prevented from timely filing due to extenuating circumstances, you must apply in person at our main office, which is located on the 4th floor of the Constitutional Complex, 2480 Thompson Street, Fort Myers, Florida.

1. Use your "Back" Button to navigate.
2.You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader 3.0 or higher to access and print this form.
3. Please read the mailing instructions when applying for your homestead exemption
4. Fill out your application then mail it to this address.
5. If you have any questions regarding Homestead Exemption applications/filing please contact Exemptions@leepa.org


PLEASE READ:
Florida Statute Update for Homestead Exemption Filing
Please be advised that Florida Statute 196.011(1)(a) states "failure to make application when required, on or before March 1 of any year shall constitute a waiver of the exemption privilege for that year, except as provided in subsection (7) or subsection (8)."  Subsections (7) and (8) provide that applications received after March 1 must file a petition with the Value Adjustment Board ( VAB ).   Such a petition may be filed at any time during the taxable year on or before the 25th day following the mailing of the Trim Notice by the Property Appraiser as provided in s. 194.011(1).

A postcard ( “ Receipt For Exemption Application” ) will be mailed to all approved  applicants no later than June 1.

If you do not receive a “ Receipt For Exemption Application ” stating the exemption  is granted, your exemption application may not have been received and approved by the Property Appraiser and you may NOT be eligible for an exemption. Contact the Property Appraiser as soon as possible: Phone: 239-533-6150, Email: Exemptions@leepa.org or visit in person: 2480 Thompson Street, 4th Floor, Fort Myers Florida.



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How to file for Homestead by mail or in person:


To better serve the residents of Lee County, we are now accepting Homestead Exemption applications by mail. The letter of instruction and application may be obtained from our web site.
If you would like to pick up an application for mailing or completing prior to visiting our office,  please click here for this information.

Mailing Instructions:
PLEASE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION TO FILE FOR YOUR EXEMPTION BY MAIL:
(PRINT YOUR APPLICATION IN BLACK INK ONLY)

1. Applicants must hold a valid Florida Driver’s License or a valid Florida I.D. Card – A Florida I.D. Card can be used ONLY if you do not hold a driver’s license in any other jurisdiction. (A “Valid in Florida ONLY” license is not acceptable).

2. Florida vehicle license plate (tag) numbers for all vehicles that you own. Lease vehicles must be tagged in Florida. A company car provided for your use does not require a Florida license plate.

3. Lee County Florida Voter’s Registration Number or Declaration of Domicile (if not a U.S. Citizen) or you do not wish to register to vote.  (There is a nominal charge for the recording of a Declaration of Domicile.)

4. A Permanent Residency Card is required if you are not a U.S. Citizen.

5. Social Security Number for applicants.  If married, you must also provide spouse’s Social Security NumberIf the applicant is married, SPOUSE’S Social Security Number IS REQUIRED even though the spouse is not an owner of the property and is not applying for the exemption. Homestead Exemption Application information is Confidential.

6. Date of Birth for applicant(s).

7. Your most recently paid tax bill with Parcel Identification Number or recorded Deed or recorded Contract for Deed.


$500 WIDOW/WIDOWER’S EXEMPTION: A widow or widower who is a permanent Florida resident may claim this exemption. If the widow or widower remarries, he/she is no longer eligible. If the husband and wife were divorced before death, he/she is not considered a widow/widower.
You must include a photocopy of your spouse’s death certificate when making application. Please complete, sign and date your Homestead Application, and return it to the Lee County Property Appraiser’s Office, P.O. Box 1546, Ft. Myers, FL 33902. To obtain a signed copy of your original application, please include a stamped self-addressed envelope. A copy of your application, signed by this office, will provide proof that your exemption was received and granted.

If you are not a U.S. Citizen, you will need to provide this office with a copy of your recorded Declaration of Domicile and copy of your Resident Alien Card (Front and Back), or apply in person at our main office located in downtown Fort Myers, and provide proof of permanent residency.

Please contact the Lee County Property Appraiser’s Office at (239) 533-6100 if you have any questions.

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Go To Homestead Application


Mail  completed Application for Homestead Exemption to:

Lee County Property Appraiser
Attn: Homestead Exemptions
P.O. Box 1546
Ft. Myers, FL  33902


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To file in person, bring your completed application to our main office location:


Lee County Property Appraiser's Office
Constitutional Complex
4th Floor
2480 Thompson Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
Monday - Friday 8:30AM - 5:00PM


If you have any questions regarding Homestead Exemption applications/filing please contact Exemptions@leepa.org