Homestead Exemption in Dunnellon: Marion County Guide

Buying a home in Dunnellon and wondering how to lower your property tax bill? Florida’s homestead exemption can deliver meaningful savings if you plan ahead. You want clear steps, simple rules, and the key deadlines so you don’t miss out. In this guide, you’ll learn who qualifies, when to file with the Marion County Property Appraiser, how Save Our Homes limits future increases, and how portability could help if you moved from another Florida homestead. Let’s dive in.

Homestead basics and why it matters

Florida’s homestead exemption reduces the taxable assessed value of your primary residence. Once established, it also ties into the Save Our Homes assessment limit, which can slow how quickly your assessed value increases over time. The result is lower property taxes than you would pay without the exemption.

Two ideas drive most of your planning:

• You must own and occupy the property as your permanent residence on January 1 of the tax year to qualify for that year.
• You must file your application by March 1 with the Marion County Property Appraiser for properties in Dunnellon.

Who qualifies in Marion County

Make it your permanent residence

You must use the home as your permanent legal residence. Evidence often includes a Florida driver’s license or ID with your Dunnellon address, Florida vehicle registration, and other Florida ties like voter registration. These proofs support your claim that the property is your primary home.

Own the property by January 1

Eligibility is tied to ownership and occupancy as of January 1. If you closed on or before that date and moved in as your permanent residence, you can file for that tax year. If you purchased after January 1, you will typically file in the next cycle.

Ownership types that qualify

Individuals, spouses, and certain trusts can qualify. If your home is titled in a qualifying trust, the trust language must meet Florida requirements. Corporations and LLCs usually do not qualify as homestead owners.

Other exemptions may apply

Florida provides additional exemptions for qualifying residents, such as disability-related benefits and certain veteran exemptions. These are separate from the standard homestead exemption and require their own applications.

Key deadlines and timing

January 1 residency and ownership cutoff

To receive the exemption for a given year, you must both own and occupy your home as your permanent residence on January 1 of that year. This date sets your eligibility.

March 1 application deadline

The statewide filing deadline is March 1 for that tax year. File on time to avoid losing the benefit for the year. Confirm the date each year in case of calendar shifts or county guidance updates.

If you moved after January 1

If you closed after January 1, you typically become eligible for the following tax year. Plan to gather documents early, then apply between January and March 1 of the next year.

Late or retroactive claims

Counties may have limited authority to grant exemptions retroactively in certain situations. If you believe you have a valid reason for a late filing, contact the Marion County Property Appraiser for guidance on documentation and any allowable look-back period.

How to file in Dunnellon

Where to apply

File with the Marion County Property Appraiser for properties located in Dunnellon. The office provides the official application, current document checklist, and submission options. Confirm whether you can file in person, by mail, or online, and check office hours before you go.

What to bring

Typical documents include:

• Proof of ownership, such as a recorded deed or closing statement
• Florida driver’s license or state ID showing your Dunnellon address
• Florida vehicle registration with the same address
• Social Security numbers for all owners
• Proof of occupancy date if requested, like a utility bill
• The completed homestead exemption application form from the Marion County Property Appraiser

Always verify the current list of required documents before filing.

Step-by-step filing

1. Gather your documents, including your deed, Florida ID, and vehicle registration.
2. Get the homestead exemption application from the Marion County Property Appraiser.
3. Submit your application by March 1.
4. Respond promptly if the office requests additional proof. Keep copies of everything you submit.

After you file

The property appraiser will notify you if your application is approved or if more information is needed. Later in the year, the tax roll is certified and your tax bill is calculated by the tax collector based on assessed value and millage rates set by local taxing authorities.

Save Our Homes explained

Market value vs. assessed value

Your home’s market value can rise or fall with the real estate market. Once your homestead is established, the assessed value used to calculate taxes becomes subject to the Save Our Homes limit.

Annual cap on increases

Save Our Homes limits the annual increase in assessed value to the lesser of 3% or the change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This cap helps moderate tax increases while you remain in your homestead.

When the protection ends

The Save Our Homes benefit ends if you abandon the homestead, convert it to non-homestead use, or transfer ownership in a way that no longer qualifies for homestead. At that point, the assessed value can be adjusted to reflect market value.

Taxes still depend on millage

Even with Save Our Homes, your final tax bill also depends on local millage rates set by taxing authorities. If millage rates rise, your tax bill can increase even when your assessed value barely changes.

Portability when you move within Florida

What portability does

If you had a Florida homestead with Save Our Homes protection, you may be able to transfer part or all of that benefit to your new Dunnellon home. Portability reduces the new home’s assessed value by the amount of your prior Save Our Homes differential, subject to statutory limits.

Limits and timing

Florida law sets limits on how much you can transfer and when you must apply. The amount you receive depends on the difference between market and assessed values at your previous homestead, the value of your new home, and when you moved. Verify the current limits and timing with the Marion County Property Appraiser before you file.

How to apply for portability

You must apply with the property appraiser where your new homestead is located. Bring documentation identifying your former Florida homestead and the Save Our Homes benefit amount. Your previous county’s property appraiser can usually provide the figures needed.

What to expect

Portability can lower the assessed value on your new Dunnellon home, which can help reduce your taxes. The exact outcome depends on your old and new home values and the approved transfer amount.

Dunnellon’s local tax picture

Which taxing authorities apply

Your total tax is your taxable assessed value multiplied by millage rates from local authorities. In and around Dunnellon, that can include county, city, school, water management, and special districts. The Marion County Property Appraiser can confirm which districts apply to your parcel.

Plan your budget

Homestead and Save Our Homes can keep your assessment growth in check. Still, factor in potential changes in millage rates or voter-approved levies when planning your annual housing budget.

Quick checklist and timeline

• Before or at closing
  • Note your ownership date and plan your move-in date.
  • Update or obtain a Florida driver’s license and vehicle registration with your Dunnellon address as soon as practical.
• January
  • If you owned and occupied the home on January 1, get the Marion County homestead application.
  • Gather your deed, Florida ID, vehicle registration, Social Security numbers, and proof of occupancy if needed.
• By March 1
  • File your homestead application with the Marion County Property Appraiser.
• After filing
  • Save copies of your application and any approval letter.
  • If you are transferring Save Our Homes from another Florida homestead, request your benefit figures from your prior county and file portability with Marion County as soon as possible.
• Ongoing
  • Review annual notices from the property appraiser and note any appeal deadlines if you disagree with the assessment.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Missing the March 1 deadline. Put a reminder on your calendar in January.
• Waiting to update your Florida ID and vehicle registration. Do this early so your documents match your Dunnellon address.
• Assuming you qualify if you closed after January 1. In most cases you will file the next year.
• Forgetting to apply for portability if you moved from another Florida homestead.
• Expecting homestead to eliminate your tax bill. It reduces your taxable assessed value and adds Save Our Homes protection, but taxes still apply based on millage rates.

Final thoughts

If you just moved to Dunnellon or bought your first Florida home, homestead exemption can be one of the simplest ways to protect your budget. Focus on the two key dates, gather the right documents, and file with the Marion County Property Appraiser on time. If you are relocating from another Florida homestead, consider portability early so you do not miss that benefit.

Have questions about timing your move, budgeting for property taxes, or understanding how homestead could affect your long-term costs? Reach out to the Katie Spires Team. We’re local, we know the process, and we are here to help you plan your next step with confidence.

FAQs

Am I eligible this year if I bought a Dunnellon home on February 15?

• You generally must own and occupy the home as your permanent residence on January 1 to qualify for that tax year. A February 15 purchase usually means you file next cycle. Confirm specifics with the Marion County Property Appraiser.

What is the Marion County deadline to file homestead?

• The statewide deadline is March 1 for the current tax year. Check the Marion County Property Appraiser for any local guidance or late-filing procedures.

What documents should I bring to apply in Marion County?

• Typical items include a recorded deed or closing statement, Florida driver’s license or ID with your Dunnellon address, Florida vehicle registration, Social Security numbers for owners, and the completed application. Confirm the current checklist before filing.

Will homestead exemption eliminate my property taxes?

• No. Homestead reduces taxable assessed value and triggers Save Our Homes limits, but you still pay taxes based on the reduced assessment and local millage rates.

How much is Florida’s homestead exemption worth?

• Florida provides a basic exemption commonly recognized at $25,000, plus an additional exemption on assessed value above $50,000 up to $75,000 for non-school taxes. The exact impact depends on your home’s value, other exemptions, and local millage rates. Verify current details with the Marion County Property Appraiser or the Florida Department of Revenue.

Can I transfer my Save Our Homes benefit to a new Dunnellon home?

• Possibly. Portability may allow you to transfer your Save Our Homes differential to your new Florida homestead. You must apply with the Marion County Property Appraiser and provide documentation from your previous homestead. Confirm deadlines and requirements before filing.