Homeowner Handbook › Owning a home › Homestead exemption
Part 1 · Owning a home in Manatee County
Homestead Exemption and Property Taxes in Manatee County
By Linda Reynolds · Last reviewed October 2026
In this chapter
The short version · What homestead does for you · Who qualifies · How and when to apply · Your filing checklist · If you’re moving
The short version
If your Manatee County home is your permanent residence, the homestead exemption can lower your property tax bill and limit how fast your taxable value rises each year. You apply with the Manatee County Property Appraiser by March 1, and once it’s in place it generally renews automatically as long as you keep living there.
What homestead does for you
Homestead does two things. First, it reduces the taxable value of your home, which lowers your annual bill. Second, it turns on Florida’s Save Our Homes protection, which caps how much your assessed value can increase from one year to the next, even when market values climb quickly.
Over several years, that cap is often where homeowners see the biggest difference, which is one more reason not to let the filing deadline slip by.
Who qualifies
You qualify if you own the home and it is your permanent residence, with your permanent Florida residency established, as of January 1 of the tax year you’re applying for. Additional exemptions may also be available for seniors, veterans, and homeowners with disabilities.
If you bought your home after January 1, you’ll apply for the following tax year.
How and when to apply
Close on your home and move in. Your residency date matters, so keep your closing and move-in records together.
Update your address everywhere. Your Florida driver license, vehicle registration, and voter registration should all show your new home.
Apply with the Property Appraiser by March 1. You can file online, by mail, or in person. Missing the March 1 deadline means waiving the exemption for that year.
Your filing checklist
Have these ready for each owner who is applying:
- Social Security number
- Florida driver license or Florida ID card
- Florida vehicle registration for any vehicles you own or lease
- Manatee County voter registration, if you’re registered
- Permanent resident card, if you’re not a U.S. citizen
- Trust agreement or recorded memorandum of trust, if the home is held in a trust
Don’t have a Manatee voter registration or Florida vehicle registration? The Property Appraiser’s office can tell you what other documents they accept. For full details, see the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s exemptions page.
If you’re moving
If you sell a Florida homestead and buy a new one, portability may let you carry some of your Save Our Homes savings to the new home. It isn’t automatic: you file a separate transfer form along with your new homestead application, by the same March 1 deadline. If you’re thinking about a move, it’s worth planning for before you list.
Falling behind on taxes or payments?
You’re not the first, and you have more options than you might think. This guide walks through them calmly, one at a time.
Have a question about your situation?
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Equal Housing Opportunity. This handbook offers general information, not legal, tax, insurance, or financial advice. Requirements can change, so please confirm details with the Manatee County Property Appraiser.