Duval County, Florida • homestead guide • reviewed September 2, 2026
Duval County Homestead Exemption: 2026 Rules, Savings, Filing Steps, Deadlines and Local Offices
The Duval County homestead exemption is a Florida property-tax benefit for homeowners who own and occupy their Duval County home as their permanent residence.
File with the Duval County Property Appraiser, not the Tax Collector, Clerk, mortgage company or a paid mailer.
For 2026, Florida’s regular homestead structure includes the first $25,000 exemption on school and non-school taxes plus an additional non-school exemption of up to $26,411 on assessed value above $50,000.
The normal deadline is March 1 of the tax-roll year, with limited late-filing options after March 1.
Fast answer
Duval County Homestead Exemption Quick Facts
Search the Duval property record first. Then file the homestead application online or with the Property Appraiser’s Exemptions Division. After approval, check the TRIM notice and tax bill to confirm the exemption and taxable values.
Local offices
Duval County Homestead Offices, Address, Phone Numbers and Map
Duval County Property Appraiser
Best for: homestead applications, required documents, exemption status, property values, Save Our Homes, portability, senior exemptions, disabled/veteran exemptions and TRIM questions.
Property Appraiser: Joyce Morgan, CFA
Address: 231 E. Forsyth Street, Suite 270, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Exemptions Division: Suite 260
Customer Service / Exemptions: 904-255-5900
Fax: 904-255-7963
Email: pacustserv@coj.net
Office hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–5:30 PM
Open Duval Property AppraiserDuval County Tax Collector
Best for: property tax bills, payments, early-payment discounts, receipts, balances, partial payments, delinquent taxes, tax certificates and tax deeds.
Tax Collector: Jim Overton
Address: 231 E. Forsyth Street, Suite 130, Jacksonville, FL 32202-3370
Phone: 904-255-5700, option 4 for property tax
Email: taxcollector@coj.net
Open Property Tax OfficeDuval County Clerk — Recording / Official Records
Best for: deeds, official records, ownership documents, recorded liens, Notice of Domicile and Property Fraud Alert.
Clerk: Jody Phillips
Recording mailing address: Duval County Clerk of Courts, Attn: Recording Department, 501 West Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Official Records: 501 West Adams Street, Room 1253, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Recording phone: 904-255-2000
Official Records phone: 904-255-2025
Open Recording DepartmentDuval County Value Adjustment Board
Best for: formal appeals of value assessments, exemption denials, classification denials, portability issues and certain property-tax disputes.
VAB office: 117 West Duval Street, Suite 305, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: 904-255-5124
Important: the VAB does not collect taxes. Contact the Tax Collector about payments while an appeal is pending.
Open Duval VABMap: Duval County Property Appraiser
Yates Building
231 E. Forsyth Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Use Suite 260 for Customer Service / Exemptions. Bring ID if visiting the building.
Content gaps fixed
Details Many Duval County Homestead Guides Miss
Office confusion: the Property Appraiser approves exemptions. The Tax Collector sends and collects tax bills.
2026 amount changed: older Duval pages may say “up to $50,000,” but Florida’s additional non-school portion is now CPI-adjusted; for 2026 it is $26,411.
School and non-school taxes differ: the first $25,000 applies to school and non-school taxes, while the additional portion applies only to non-school taxes.
Online filing depends on ownership posting: if the deed has not yet posted to your name, the online system may not allow you to finish.
Required documents are strict: Duval asks for proof of residency for all owners applying, plus Social Security numbers for owners and spouses.
Late filing is not casual: after March 1, late applicants with extenuating circumstances may need to apply in person and submit a late-filing explanation.
Portability is separate: moving from another Florida homestead can require a separate portability request; it is not the same as transferring the homestead exemption.
Save Our Homes is not a tax freeze: it limits assessed-value increases, not millage rates or every charge on the bill.
Senior exemptions are local-option benefits: Duval has senior options, but age, income, value and long-term residency rules matter.
Heirs-property issues matter: Duval’s Property Appraiser notes that an heir living in the home may need a court order adding the heir as owner before receiving homestead.
Qualification
Duval County Homestead Exemption Rules
Own the home
You must have legal title, beneficial title in equity, or another ownership interest recognized by Florida homestead law.
Recent buyers should confirm the deed has posted to the Duval property record.
Live there on January 1
For the tax roll year, the home must be your permanent residence or the permanent residence of someone legally or naturally dependent on you as of January 1.
Moving in after January 1 usually affects the current-year claim.
Be a Florida permanent resident
Residency proof should support Florida as your permanent home.
Duval asks for Florida driver license or ID, vehicle registration when applicable, and other proof when needed.
No duplicate residence benefit
You generally cannot claim a residency-based property tax exemption or credit on another property outside Florida while claiming Florida homestead.
Cancel the old benefit before filing in Duval.
File with the correct office
File online through Duval’s homestead system or submit the manual application to the Property Appraiser’s Exemptions Division.
Do not send the homestead application to the Tax Collector for approval.
Keep eligibility after approval
Duval says homestead exemptions are automatically renewed if there are no changes in ownership, use, or primary residence status.
A January renewal card should be kept as a receipt.
Proof checklist
Documents Needed for Duval County Homestead Exemption
Duval’s required-documentation page says all submitted applications must include copies of required proof of residency for all owners who apply.
Recorded deed or tax bill: use this to confirm ownership and the correct parcel.
Florida driver license or Florida identification card: provide ID number and issue date; it must reflect the permanent residence address.
Vehicle registration: provide tag number and issue date; it must reflect the permanent residence address when applicable.
Permanent Resident Alien Card: provide ID number and issue date; a legible copy is required when applicable.
Social Security numbers: required for all owners and their spouses making application, even if a spouse does not own or live on the property.
Trust documents: if title is held in a trust, Duval says a copy of the entire trust agreement must be submitted.
Mobile home proof: if filing on a mobile home, proof of ownership is required for both the mobile home and the land; a real property application may also be required.
Prior Florida homestead: if you had a Florida homestead in one of the three prior tax roll years, prepare portability details.
Senior proof: prepare proof of age and proof of all household income for Duval’s limited-income senior exemptions.
Veteran or disability proof: prepare VA, DVA, physician, SSA, government or first-responder employer documents depending on the exemption category.
Duval required documentation
Use this page before uploading, emailing, mailing or hand-delivering your application.
Open Required DocumentationFlorida DR-501 form
Use the statewide original application when a manual or supporting form is needed.
Open DR-501Filing workflow
How to Apply for Homestead Exemption in Duval County
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Search your Duval property record.
Confirm the real estate number, owner name, property address, values, exemptions and mailing address.
Open Duval Property SearchAfter opening: search by RE number, owner name or property address. Save the parcel information before filing. -
Confirm ownership has posted.
Duval’s online homestead system says the office must reflect ownership in your name before processing the application online.
If you recently closed, allow time for the deed and ownership change or contact the Exemptions Division.
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File online when available.
Use Duval’s Online Homestead Exemption Application System when the property appears in your name.
Open Online Homestead ApplicationAfter opening: start with property search, confirm the parcel, answer residency questions, add exemptions and save the confirmation. -
Use manual filing if needed.
Timely applications may be filed by mail, fax, email, or in person with the Property Appraiser’s Exemptions Division.
Mail or hand deliver to: 231 E. Forsyth Street, Suite 260, Jacksonville, FL 32202.
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Attach required documents.
Include the documents listed for every owner applying, plus spouse, trust, mobile home, senior, disability, veteran or portability documents when applicable.
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File by March 1.
March 1 is the timely filing deadline for the tax roll year.
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Save the receipt.
Duval says applicants receive a receipt by mail as proof the exemption application was received and processed within 45 days of filing.
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Verify the exemption later.
Check the Property Search record, the Taxable Values and Exemptions section, the TRIM notice and the Tax Collector bill.
After March 1, Duval says late filers who could not file timely due to extenuating circumstances may file from March 2 through the 25th day after August TRIM notices are mailed. A late-filing explanation is required, and the office says late filers must physically apply in the Property Appraiser’s Office.
Dates
Duval County Homestead Exemption Deadlines
You must own and occupy the home as your permanent residence by January 1 of the tax-roll year.
File homestead, senior and many related exemption applications with the Property Appraiser by March 1.
Late filing may be available for extenuating circumstances through the 25th day after August TRIM notices are mailed.
The Notice of Proposed Property Taxes shows values, exemptions and petition deadlines.
Duval VAB says the petition deadline is listed on the bottom right of the TRIM notice and petitions must be received on time.
The Tax Collector sends annual real estate tax notices in November based on that year’s assessment.
Discounts are commonly 4% in November, 3% in December, 2% in January and 1% in February.
Current taxes are due by March 31 and become delinquent on April 1.
Savings math
How Much Can the Duval County Homestead Exemption Save?
Florida property tax is calculated using taxable value and millage rates. One mill equals $1 of tax per $1,000 of taxable value.
Applies to school and non-school taxes.
Assessed value from $25,001 through $50,000 is not covered by the regular homestead exemption.
Up to $26,411 applies to assessed value above $50,000 and only to non-school taxes.
Save Our Homes and portability may create additional savings by lowering assessed value over time.
Simple 2026 example
Assessed value: $300,000.
School millage: 5 mills.
Non-school millage: 13 mills.
First $25,000 savings: $25,000 × 18 ÷ 1,000 = $450.00.
Additional non-school savings: $26,411 × 13 ÷ 1,000 = $343.34.
Estimated regular homestead savings: $793.34 before other exemptions, Save Our Homes, portability, discounts or special charges.
Open simple Duval homestead savings calculator
All-tax exemption used: $25,000.00
Non-school extra used: $26,411.00
Estimated school savings: $125.00
Estimated non-school savings: $668.34
Total educational estimate: $793.34
Duval Tax Estimator
Use this local tool to estimate taxes using Duval values and millage context.
Open Duval Tax EstimatorFlorida additional homestead amount
Use the Florida DOR CPI page for the current additional non-school exemption amount.
Open CPI AdjustmentSave Our Homes
Save Our Homes, Portability and Moving Within Florida
Save Our Homes cap
Duval explains that Save Our Homes limits the annual assessed-value increase of homesteaded property to 3% or the change in CPI, whichever is less.
You must apply and qualify for homestead before the cap can apply.
Not a tax cap
Save Our Homes limits assessed value, not tax rates.
Taxes may still change if millage rates, non-ad valorem assessments, new improvements or taxable value change.
Buying a capped home
When you buy a home from someone with a Save Our Homes cap, the seller’s cap is removed at the end of the sale year.
The property is generally reset to market value for the new owner unless portability lowers the new assessed value.
Portability
If you had a prior Florida homestead in one of the three tax roll years before the year you are filing, you may be able to transfer some or all of the prior Save Our Homes benefit.
Portability requires a separate application from the regular homestead exemption.
New improvements
Additions and improvements are assessed at market value in the year of construction and then become part of the capped value calculation in later years.
Ownership changes
Some family, spouse, title correction and related-party changes may not remove the benefit, but a new homestead application may be required.
Duval Save Our Homes page
Use this for local SOH, portability and ownership-change explanations.
Open Save Our HomesFlorida DR-501T portability form
Use this statewide portability form when transferring a prior Florida Save Our Homes benefit.
Open DR-501TSpecial benefits
Senior, Disabled, Veteran, Widow/Widower and Other Duval Homestead Benefits
Limited-income senior exemption
Duval lists an additional senior homestead exemption for limited-income property owners age 65 or older.
For 2026, Duval lists the adjusted income limitation as $38,686 based on prior-year household income.
The original Duval senior exemption can be up to $50,000 and applies to county and municipal millages only.
Long-term senior exemption
Duval also lists a long-term residency senior exemption for owners 65 or older who have maintained permanent residence on the property for at least 25 years.
The property’s just value on the Property Appraiser record must be less than $250,000.
Senior forms
Duval says both Duval 501 Part 1 and DR-501SC Part 2 are required for senior exemptions.
The timely filing deadline is March 1, with late applications potentially accepted up to the late TRIM-window deadline.
Disabled veteran exemption
Florida has several veteran categories, including a $5,000 disabled ex-service member exemption, total and permanent service-connected disability exemption, surviving-spouse benefits and combat-related disability discount for some veterans age 65 or older.
Proof from the U.S. Government or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is commonly required.
Widow, widower, blind and disability exemptions
Duval lists widow/widower, blindness, disability, total and permanent disability and related exemption categories.
These may require death certificate, physician, VA, SSA or Florida-specific proof.
First responder and surviving spouse
Florida provides special exemptions for certain totally and permanently disabled first responders and surviving spouses of first responders or military veterans who died in qualifying service-related circumstances.
Employer, agency or official documentation may be required.
Duval senior exemptions
Use this for Duval’s two senior exemption categories, 2026 income limit and filing instructions.
Open Senior ExemptionsDuval other exemptions
Use this for disabled, veteran, widow/widower, first responder and other exemption categories.
Open Other ExemptionsRecord decoder
How to Check Homestead Status on Duval Property Records and Tax Bills
RE number: Duval’s real estate number is the easiest identifier when contacting offices.
Owner name: compare the Property Appraiser record with the deed or Clerk official records.
Property address: confirm the situs address is the home used as permanent residence.
Mailing address: fix this if TRIM notices, renewal cards or tax bills are going to the wrong place.
Just / market value: the Property Appraiser’s market-based value before assessment limits.
Assessed value: may be lower than market value because of Save Our Homes.
Taxable value: assessed value minus exemptions for each taxing authority.
School taxable value: differs because the additional homestead portion does not apply to school taxes.
County / municipal taxable value: may reflect the additional non-school portion and local senior exemptions.
Non-ad valorem assessments: solid waste, stormwater, lighting, special district or other charges may remain even after homestead.
Duval property search
Use this for owner, address, value, exemption and property-record card details.
Open Property SearchDuval official records
Use this when a deed, lien, trust, ownership transfer or fraud-alert document may affect the property record.
Open Official Records SearchDuval tax bill search
Use this for payment status, due amounts, discounts, delinquency and current-year or prior-year property tax payments.
Open Tax Payment PageProperty Fraud Alert
Use this free Clerk service to monitor names for recorded documents in Duval County.
Open Property Fraud AlertAppeals and fixes
What If Your Duval Homestead Exemption Is Missing, Denied or Wrong?
A missing exemption, late application, portability issue, senior-income question and high market value are different problems.
Duval VAB
Use this for exemption denial, value, classification and portability appeals.
Open VAB PageFlorida VAB forms
Use DOR forms for DR-486, DR-486PORT, DR-486DP and VAB taxpayer guides.
Open Florida Property Tax FormsA phone call or email does not automatically preserve VAB rights. If a petition is required, make sure the Clerk of the VAB physically receives it by the deadline shown on the TRIM notice or current Duval VAB portal.
Local context
Duval County Areas and Taxing Authorities Can Change Final Savings
Duval County property records cover Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach and the City of Baldwin.
Two homes can have different tax bills because taxable value, Save Our Homes cap, municipality, school taxes, special districts and non-ad valorem assessments can differ.
Use your own RE number, property record, TRIM notice and tax bill. The same homestead rules can produce different savings if taxable value, millage or local charges differ.
Avoid delays
Common Duval County Homestead Exemption Mistakes
Filing with the wrong office: submit the exemption to the Property Appraiser, not the Tax Collector.
Waiting for the tax bill: the tax bill is mailed in November, long after the March 1 filing deadline.
Assuming the deed filed homestead: recording a deed does not automatically approve the exemption.
Skipping spouse Social Security information: Duval requires Social Security numbers for owners and spouses making application.
Using old $50,000-only language: for 2026, Florida’s additional non-school amount is CPI-adjusted to $26,411.
Forgetting portability: a prior Florida homestead benefit can require a separate portability application.
Ignoring senior income proof: Duval senior exemptions require proof of age and household income.
Not reporting changes: ownership, use, rental, move-out, death, trust change or eligibility change can affect exemption status.
Ignoring non-ad valorem charges: homestead does not remove every tax-bill line.
Using records for screening: property records should not be used for FCRA-regulated employment, tenant, credit or insurance decisions.
Decision path
What Should You Do Next?
Search the property record, confirm ownership has posted, then file online or with the Exemptions Division.
Apply for homestead and ask about DR-501T portability of Save Our Homes benefit.
Contact the Property Appraiser immediately and ask about late filing, explanation form and TRIM-window timing.
Ask about Duval’s limited-income senior exemptions, 2026 income limit and long-term residency option.
Prepare VA or U.S. Government disability documentation and ask which veteran exemption or discount applies.
Review the TRIM notice and file a VAB petition by the deadline if a formal appeal is needed.
Contact the Tax Collector at 904-255-5700 option 4 so a pending exemption or appeal does not create payment problems.
Check Clerk official records and contact the Property Appraiser Land Records Division or Exemptions Division.
Important notice
Independent Information, Tax Caution and Property-Records Notice
This page is independent informational content for Duval County, Florida homeowners.
It is not the official website of the Duval County Property Appraiser, Duval County Tax Collector, Duval County Clerk of Courts, Duval County Value Adjustment Board, Florida Department of Revenue or any court.
It is not legal advice, tax advice, an official tax bill, an exemption approval, a portability approval, a VAB petition, a title opinion or a property-value decision.
Verify current forms, deadline dates, income limits, exemption amounts, filing methods, office hours, tax bill corrections and appeal procedures directly with the responsible government office before acting.
Property records should be used only for property-tax, appraisal, ownership-reference and public-record purposes.
Do not use property-record information for employment screening, tenant screening, credit eligibility, insurance underwriting or any FCRA-regulated purpose.
FAQs
Duval County Homestead Exemption FAQs
Where do I file for homestead exemption in Duval County?
File with the Duval County Property Appraiser’s Customer Service / Exemptions Division. The office address for exemption filing is 231 E. Forsyth Street, Suite 260, Jacksonville, FL 32202.
Can I file the Duval County homestead exemption online?
Yes. Duval has an online homestead application system. The online system works when the Property Appraiser’s records already show ownership in your name. Recent buyers may need to wait for deed and ownership processing or contact the office.
What is the Duval County homestead exemption deadline?
The timely filing deadline is March 1 of the tax-roll year. Late filing may be available from March 2 through the 25th day after August TRIM notices are mailed, with an explanation for filing late.
What documents are needed for Duval County homestead exemption?
Prepare a recorded deed or tax bill, Florida driver license or Florida ID, vehicle registration if applicable, permanent resident alien card if applicable, Social Security numbers for owners and spouses, and any trust, mobile home, senior, disability, veteran or portability documents that apply.
How much is the Florida homestead exemption in Duval County for 2026?
For 2026, the regular Florida homestead structure includes the first $25,000 on school and non-school taxes plus an additional non-school exemption of up to $26,411 on assessed value above $50,000.
Does the full homestead exemption apply to school taxes?
No. The first $25,000 applies to school and non-school taxes. The additional homestead portion applies only to non-school taxes.
What is Save Our Homes in Duval County?
Save Our Homes is Florida’s homestead assessment limitation. After the first qualifying year, it generally limits annual assessed-value increases on homesteaded property to 3% or CPI, whichever is lower.
Is Save Our Homes the same as a tax freeze?
No. Save Our Homes limits assessed-value increases. Tax bills can still change because of millage rates, non-ad valorem assessments, new improvements, portability, value changes or special districts.
Can I transfer my old Florida homestead savings to a Duval County home?
Possibly. If you had a prior Florida homestead in one of the three tax roll years before the year you are filing, you may be eligible for portability. You must file a separate portability request.
Does Duval County offer senior homestead exemptions?
Yes. Duval lists two limited-income senior additional homestead exemptions for property owners age 65 or older. For 2026, Duval lists the adjusted income limitation as $38,686, based on prior-year household income.
What if my Duval homestead exemption is missing from the tax bill?
Contact the Duval County Property Appraiser at 904-255-5900 or pacustserv@coj.net with your real estate number and filing proof. Also contact the Tax Collector if payment, refund or delinquency timing is involved.
How do I appeal a denied Duval homestead exemption?
Use the Duval County Value Adjustment Board process if a formal appeal is needed. Check the deadline on the TRIM notice and make sure the VAB Clerk receives the petition on time.
Official resources