Santa Rosa County, Florida • Homestead exemption guide • reviewed September 12, 2026
Santa Rosa County FL Homestead Exemption: Rules, Savings, Filing Steps, Deadlines and Local Offices
The Santa Rosa County homestead exemption can reduce the taxable value of a Florida home you own and use as your permanent residence.
The filing office is the Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser, not the Tax Collector.
For the 2026 tax year, Santa Rosa County lists the homestead exemption as up to $51,411. The regular filing deadline is March 1.
Fast answer
Santa Rosa County Homestead Exemption Quick Facts
Use SRCPA for homestead filing, exemption eligibility, values and property records.
Apply no later than March 1 of the assessment year whenever possible.
SRCPA’s important-dates page currently lists this next full filing period.
This includes the CPI-adjusted additional non-school exemption for 2026.
The SOH cap generally begins after the home receives homestead exemption.
Use the Tax Collector for bills, payments, discounts and delinquent tax questions.
Exemption or property value question → Property Appraiser. Tax bill or payment question → Tax Collector. Appeal petition filing → Clerk to the Value Adjustment Board.
Local contacts
Santa Rosa County Offices, Addresses, Phone Numbers and Roles
Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser
Use for: homestead filing, exemptions, ownership display, assessed value, Save Our Homes and property search.
Property Appraiser: Greg S. Brown II, CFA
Main office: 6495 Caroline Street, Suite K, Milton, FL 32570
South Service Center: 5841 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563
Phone: 850-983-1880
Fax: 850-623-1284
Email: info@srcpa.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Open SRCPA directorySanta Rosa County Tax Collector
Use for: property tax bills, payments, early-payment discounts, delinquent taxes and receipts.
Tax Collector: Stan Colie Nichols
Mailing address: 6495 Caroline Street, Suite E, Milton, FL 32570
Phone: 850-983-1800
Fax: 850-623-8655
Real estate tax email: taxdept@srctc.com
General email: info@srctc.com
Open Tax Collector ad valorem pageClerk to the Value Adjustment Board
Use for: VAB petitions involving value, exemptions, classifications, deferrals or portability disputes.
Clerk: Jason D. English, Esq.
Correspondence: 6495 Caroline Street, Suite A, Milton, FL 32570
Courthouse: 4025 Avalon Blvd, Milton, FL 32583
Phone: 850-981-5554
Fax: 850-626-7849
Open Santa Rosa VAB pageSanta Rosa County Board of County Commissioners
Use for: county policy, countywide property-tax levy decisions, public meetings and district representation.
Administrative Complex: 6495 Caroline Street, Milton, FL 32570
Main county phone: 850-983-1877
Chairman: Colten Wright, District 5
Vice-Chairman: Ray Eddington, District 4
Open Board of County CommissionersOpen local district commissioner list
District 1: Bobby Burkett
District 2: Kerry Smith
District 3: Rhett Rowell
District 4: Ray Eddington, Vice-Chairman
District 5: Colten Wright, Chairman
Commissioners set county policy and countywide tax levy decisions, but individual homestead applications are handled by SRCPA.
Map and visit planning
Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser Main Office Map
For homestead questions, start with the Property Appraiser’s Milton office or online exemption system.
Bring Florida ID, vehicle registration, parcel number, recorded deed details, prior homestead information and any senior, disability or veteran proof.
SRCPA Main Office
Address: 6495 Caroline Street, Suite K, Milton, FL 32570
Phone: 850-983-1880
Email: info@srcpa.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Eligibility
Who Qualifies for Santa Rosa County Homestead Exemption?
Florida homestead is based on ownership, permanent residence and January 1 eligibility.
Santa Rosa County asks practical residency questions before approving the exemption.
Own the property: your name or qualifying ownership interest should be on title as of January 1.
Live there as your permanent residence: the property should be your true Florida home, not a rental or vacation home.
Occupy by January 1: SRCPA asks whether you were living in the dwelling on January 1.
Only one permanent residence: you cannot claim homestead in another Florida county or another state.
Florida ID address: the online filing system requires a Florida driver license or ID showing the homestead address.
Vehicle registration: update Florida vehicle registration before starting the online filing process.
Recorded title issue: if the deed or ownership record has not updated, contact SRCPA before the deadline.
Military exception: active-duty service members may have special rules when service obligations prevent in-person filing.
Online filing
How to File Santa Rosa County Homestead Exemption Online
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Confirm you are filing in Santa Rosa County.
Use Santa Rosa only if the property is physically located in Santa Rosa County, Florida.
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Search your property record first.
Use parcel number, owner name or street address on the SRCPA website.
Open SRCPA property searchAfter opening: use the search box for parcel number, name or street address. Open the correct record and copy the parcel number before filing. -
Update Florida ID and vehicle registration.
The online filing page requires Florida ID showing the address where homestead is requested.
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Open the online exemption filing system.
Use the official SRCPA portal rather than a paid mailer or third-party form site.
Open online exemption filingAfter opening: confirm the portal is for Santa Rosa County, read the applicant requirements, and start the Homestead Exemption filing only when your ID address is ready. -
Select all benefits that fit your facts.
Review basic homestead, portability, senior, disability, widow/widower, veteran and military categories before submitting.
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Submit and save proof.
Save the confirmation number, email receipt, screenshots and copies of documents uploaded to the portal.
A started online filing is not the same as a submitted filing. Log back in or contact SRCPA if you are not sure the application was received.
Deadline rules
Santa Rosa County Homestead Exemption Deadline
You must own and use the home as your permanent residence as of January 1.
SRCPA says exemption applications must be made no later than March 1.
SRCPA says you may pre-file for the forthcoming year after April 1.
SRCPA’s important-dates page lists the persons 65 or over exemption filing period through June 1.
SRCPA’s important-dates page also lists deployed service member filing through June 1.
Florida law may allow late filing in certain instances, but do not rely on it when timely filing is possible.
As of this review date, SRCPA’s important-dates page displays the next full Homestead Exemption Filing Period as January 1, 2027 through March 1, 2027.
Savings math
How Much Can Santa Rosa County Homestead Exemption Save?
For 2026, Santa Rosa County lists the homestead exemption as up to $51,411 on the county assessment.
The first $25,000 applies to all property taxes, including school district taxes.
The additional exemption up to $26,411 applies to assessed value between $50,000 and $76,411 and only to non-school taxes.
Simple 2026 example
If assessed value is $300,000, school taxes can use the first $25,000 homestead exemption.
Non-school taxes can use the first $25,000 plus the CPI-adjusted additional exemption, up to $26,411 for 2026.
Non-ad valorem assessments, such as certain fire, lighting, paving, canal or sewer assessments, may still appear on the bill.
Open simple 2026 savings calculator
School exemption used: $25,000.00
Non-school exemption used: $51,411.00
Estimated school savings: $147.50
Estimated non-school savings: $411.29
Total estimated savings: $558.79
Other exemptions
Additional Santa Rosa County Homestead-Related Benefits
Save Our Homes cap
Homestead can qualify the property for Save Our Homes assessment limitation.
The cap can limit future assessed-value increases after the exemption is established.
Portability
If you had a previous Florida homestead within the last three years, you may be able to transfer all or part of the assessment difference.
Use DR-501T with the homestead application when portability applies.
Senior 65+ exemption
Santa Rosa lists an additional $50,000 senior exemption for qualifying homeowners age 65 or older.
For 2026, SRCPA lists the household adjusted gross income limit as $38,686.
Widow or widower exemption
Florida permanent residents who qualify may receive a $5,000 widow or widower exemption.
Remarriage or divorce before the spouse’s death can affect eligibility.
Medical disability exemption
Florida provides a $5,000 exemption for certain totally and permanently disabled or blind residents.
Proof of disability is required.
Total and permanent disability
Some quadriplegic, paraplegic, hemiplegic, wheelchair and legally blind homeowners may qualify for broader relief.
Income limits and disability certificates may apply.
Veteran exemptions
Veterans may qualify for partial disability, combat-related disability discount, or total and permanent disability benefits.
VA documentation is usually required.
Deployed military exemption
Qualifying service members deployed outside the continental United States, Alaska and Hawaii may receive an added exemption.
SRCPA lists a special filing period for deployed service members.
Prepare before filing
Documents to Prepare Before Filing in Santa Rosa County
Florida driver license or Florida ID: must show the Santa Rosa homestead property address for online filing.
Florida vehicle registration: update it before starting if you own a vehicle.
Social Security number: commonly required for Florida homestead applications.
Parcel number: copy it from SRCPA property search before filing.
Recorded deed or closing documents: useful if ownership recently changed.
Prior homestead information: needed if you had another Florida homestead or out-of-state residency benefit.
DR-501T portability form: needed when transferring Save Our Homes assessment difference from a prior Florida homestead.
Income proof: required for some senior and total disability benefits.
Death certificate: may be requested for widow or widower exemption.
Disability certificate: may be needed for disability exemptions, including DR-416 or DR-416B.
VA documentation: needed for veteran exemptions and discounts.
Military orders / LES: useful for deployed military exemption or active-duty situations.
After filing
How to Check Santa Rosa County Homestead Status
Start with the same office that decides exemptions: the Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser.
Then compare the property record, TRIM notice and tax bill when those become available.
Check your online filing proof: confirm the application was submitted, not only started.
Search your SRCPA parcel: review the exemption area, assessed value and taxable value.
Watch the TRIM notice: proposed values, exemptions and appeal deadlines appear before the final bill.
Check the November tax bill: the Tax Collector’s bill should reflect the certified tax roll.
If missing: contact SRCPA with parcel number, filing confirmation and document copies.
If value is wrong: ask SRCPA for an informal review before filing a VAB petition.
Tax bill timing
Santa Rosa County Property Tax Bills, Discounts and Delinquency
The Tax Collector collects ad valorem property taxes annually beginning November 1.
Tax notices are normally mailed on or before November 1 and the gross amount is due by March 31.
Available when paid during November.
Available when paid during December.
Available when paid during January.
Available when paid during February.
Gross amount is due by March 31.
Unpaid real estate taxes become delinquent and penalties can apply.
Appeal vs exemption
What If Your Santa Rosa County Value or Exemption Is Wrong?
A homestead filing and a value appeal are different.
File homestead with SRCPA. File a VAB petition with the Clerk if the issue cannot be resolved and the deadline is still open.
Exemption problem
Use this path if homestead is missing, pending, denied or not shown on the property record.
Contact SRCPA first with proof of filing and residency documents.
Value problem
Use this path if market value, assessed value, classification or portability appears wrong.
Ask SRCPA for review, then use the VAB petition process if needed.
The Santa Rosa Clerk page published a 2026 VAB petition filing deadline of September 14, 2026 at 4:00 PM. Always verify the deadline on your TRIM notice and the Clerk’s current VAB page.
Local tax districts
Santa Rosa County Cities, Special Assessments and Tax Districts
Santa Rosa County tax bills can include more than one taxing authority or assessment type.
The Property Appraiser determines values and exemptions, while taxing authorities set millage rates.
A nearby property may be in a different city, fire district, lighting district, paving district, MSBU or special assessment area.
Avoid delays
Common Santa Rosa County Homestead Mistakes
Calling the wrong office: SRCPA decides exemptions; the Tax Collector collects bills.
Missing March 1: late filing may exist in certain instances, but timely filing is safer.
Old ID address: the online filing system requires Florida ID showing the homestead address.
Forgetting vehicle registration: update Florida registration before starting if applicable.
Assuming portability is automatic: portability requires the proper filing when you move from another Florida homestead.
Ignoring non-ad valorem assessments: homestead does not remove every fee or special assessment on the bill.
Waiting for the tax bill to appeal: TRIM notice timing and VAB deadlines arrive earlier.
Relying on third-party mailers: start with the official SRCPA filing portal and forms.
Not reporting changes: ownership, rental use, residency change or removal of Florida residency can affect eligibility.
Using property records for screening: assessment records are not consumer reports.
Important caution
Independent Information, Tax Caution and Property-Records Notice
This page is independent informational content for Santa Rosa County homeowners.
It is not the official website of the Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser, Santa Rosa County Tax Collector, Santa Rosa County Clerk, Value Adjustment Board, Florida Department of Revenue or any government agency.
It is not legal advice, tax advice, an exemption approval, a denial notice, a tax bill, an appraisal or an appeal decision.
Rules, deadlines, CPI-adjusted exemption amounts, income limits, office hours, online portal links, forms and local filing methods can change.
Verify current details directly with SRCPA, the Tax Collector, the Clerk or official Florida sources before filing, appealing or estimating savings.
Property records should be used only for property-tax, appraisal, ownership-reference and public-record purposes.
Do not use property-record information for employment, tenant screening, credit, insurance or any FCRA-regulated purpose.
FAQs
Santa Rosa County Homestead Exemption FAQs
Where do I file Santa Rosa County homestead exemption?
File with the Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser.
You can use the official SRCPA online exemption filing system or visit an SRCPA office.
What is the Santa Rosa County homestead exemption deadline?
The regular Florida homestead filing deadline is March 1 of the assessment year.
SRCPA says exemption applications must be made no later than March 1, although late applications may be accepted in certain instances.
How much is the Santa Rosa County homestead exemption in 2026?
SRCPA lists the 2026 homestead exemption as up to $51,411 on the county assessment.
The first $25,000 applies to all taxes, while the additional amount applies only to non-school taxes.
Who qualifies for homestead exemption in Santa Rosa County?
A homeowner generally must own the property and use it as a permanent Florida residence as of January 1.
A person may have only one permanent residence at a time.
What documents do I need to file online?
The online filing system requires a Florida driver license or ID showing the homestead address.
Vehicle registration, parcel number, deed information, Social Security number and special-benefit proof may also be needed.
Does homestead remove all property taxes?
No. Homestead reduces taxable value, but it does not remove every tax line, millage, MSBU, special assessment or non-ad valorem charge.
What is Save Our Homes portability?
Portability may allow a homeowner to transfer all or part of the Save Our Homes assessment difference from a previous Florida homestead to a new Florida homestead.
Use DR-501T when portability applies.
Can seniors get an additional exemption in Santa Rosa County?
Yes. Santa Rosa lists an additional $50,000 senior exemption for qualifying homeowners age 65 or older.
For 2026, SRCPA lists the household adjusted gross income limit as $38,686.
Who handles Santa Rosa County property tax bills?
The Santa Rosa County Tax Collector handles tax bills, payments, discounts, delinquency and receipts.
The Property Appraiser handles exemptions, values and property records.
How do I appeal a denied exemption or value issue?
Contact the Property Appraiser first for review.
If the issue is not resolved, a petition may be filed with the Clerk to the Santa Rosa County Value Adjustment Board by the applicable deadline.
Official resources