Duval County, FL: homestead & property-tax exemptions

How to claim property-tax exemptions in Duval County (Jacksonville area): who qualifies, the deadline, where to file, documents, re-filing and appeals.

Last checked 2026-10-22 · 14 official sources

Exemptions available

• Homestead: $25,000 off the assessed value of your owner-occupied home, plus up to another $25,000 off assessed value over $50,000 (the second $25,000 doesn't apply to school taxes). The homestead exemption also triggers the Save Our Homes cap on yearly assessed-value increases (2.7% for 2026). ^[1][2]
• Duval County's two local-option senior exemptions (age 65+ by January 1, with a homestead exemption and 2026 household income limit of $38,686 from the prior year's income): the limited-income senior exemption of up to $50,000 off county and municipal taxes, and the long-term resident exemption, which removes the City of Jacksonville portion of taxes (up to the home's assessed value) if you've lived there at least 25 years and the just value is under $250,000. ^[3]
• $5,000 widow/widower exemption (ends if you remarry; divorced before the death doesn't qualify), $5,000 blindness exemption, and $5,000 totally-and-permanently-disabled exemption. ^[4]
• Total exemption for quadriplegics. Paraplegic, hemiplegic or other totally and permanently disabled owners who use a wheelchair or are legally blind can also get a total exemption if prior-year household gross income is at or under $37,712 (the 2026 limit). ^[4]
• Veterans: $5,000 exemption for honorably discharged veterans with a 10%+ service-connected disability (also for the unremarried surviving spouse); total homestead exemption for a service-connected total and permanent disability; and a tax discount equal to the disability percentage for veterans 65+ whose disability is partly combat-related (Form DR-501DV). ^[5]
• Also offered: deployed active-duty military exemption, total exemption for surviving spouses of veterans who died on active duty or first responders who died in the line of duty, total exemption for first responders totally and permanently disabled in the line of duty, the 'granny flat' assessment reduction for living quarters for a parent or grandparent 62+, and portability (transfer of Save Our Homes savings from a Florida homestead in the prior three years, separate application). ^[4][1]

Statewide exemption details: Florida guide.

Who qualifies

• You must own the home and make it your permanent residence (or that of someone legally or naturally dependent on you) as of January 1 of the tax year, and be a legal Florida resident. ^[1][6]

Deadline

• Timely filing deadline: March 1 for homestead, senior, other personal exemptions and portability. ^[7][4][3]
• Late filing: from March 2 through the 25th day after TRIM notices (Notices of Proposed Property Taxes) are mailed in August, usually early September, if you had extenuating circumstances. Late filers must apply in person at the Property Appraiser's office. ^[7]
• Paying the bill: the Duval County Tax Collector mails tax bills in November. Paying in November earns a 4% discount (3% December, 2% January, 1% February). Taxes are due by March 31 and delinquent April 1. ^[8]

Where and how to file

• Online through the Property Appraiser's homestead application system. It also takes widow/widower, blind, disability, service-connected disability and portability applications. The ownership must already show in your name (allow about 60 days after closing). Adding exemptions or applicants to an existing homestead, or a married couple where one spouse claims homestead elsewhere, must be filed in person. ^[9]
• Or file a paper application (forms by request at 904-255-5900 or [email protected]) by mail, fax (904-255-7963), email ([email protected]), or in person: Duval County Property Appraiser, Customer Service/Exemptions Division, 231 E. Forsyth St., Suite 260, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. ^[7][10]
• Senior exemptions use the Duval 501 application plus the Statement of Income (DR-501SC), filed in person, by mail, fax or email. ^[3]

Documents needed

• For every owner applying: your recorded deed or tax bill; a Florida driver's license or ID card (ID number and issue date, showing the property address); vehicle registration (tag number and issue date, showing the property address); and a Permanent Resident Alien Card if applicable. Social Security numbers are required for all applying owners and their spouses. ^[6]
• If title is held in a trust, a copy of the entire trust agreement. Mobile homes need proof of ownership of both the home and the land, plus a 'Real Property' application. ^[6]
• Seniors: proof of age and proof of all household income. Widow/widower: a death certificate the first time. Disability: a Florida physician's or VA certificate (two Florida doctors or the VA for the income-based total exemption). Veterans: a VA or U.S. government certificate of disability. ^[3][4][5]

Do you need to re-file?

• Homestead exemptions renew automatically on January 1 if nothing has changed in ownership or use. A tax exemption renewal card is mailed in January; keep it as your receipt. ^[1]
• Senior exemptions auto-renew too (since 2022). Return the annual card only if you no longer qualify. If you already have the limited-income senior exemption, you must apply separately for the long-term resident exemption. ^[3]

Appeal deadline

• For 2026, the Duval County Value Adjustment Board deadline for most petitions was Tuesday, September 8, 2026 (it has passed). Petitions must be received, not postmarked, by the deadline. Late petitions need a 'good cause' explanation. ^[11][2]
• File online or with the Clerk of the Value Adjustment Board, 117 W. Duval St., Suite 305, Jacksonville, FL 32202 (904-255-5124). The fee is up to $50 per parcel, waived for timely homestead-denial appeals. You can also ask the Property Appraiser for an informal review first. ^[11][12]
• Florida rule: VAB petitions on value are due within 25 days after the TRIM notice is mailed. Exemption denials: within 30 days of the denial notice. ^[13]

Population: 1,055,159 (July 1, 2024 estimate) ^[14]

Other Florida counties

• Miami-Dade County
• Broward County
• Palm Beach County
• Hillsborough County
• Orange County