BCPAO - Exemptions

Property Tax Exemptions

Various property tax exemptions are available to qualified applicants. While some exemptions require yearly affirmation, most renew automatically each year as long as qualifying conditions do not change.

Please contact us if you moved, changed title, or other qualifying condition for your exemption has changed, or if you would like to add or remove an exemption.

Below is a brief description of each exemption, requirements, and how to apply.

General Exemptions |

The Homestead Exemption provides qualified applicants with a reduction in their home's taxable value up to $25,000.

An application for the Homestead Exemption may be submitted any time throughout the year, but must be submitted by March 1 of the year in which the benefit will be applied.

Once approved, the Homestead Exemption is automatically renewed each year as long as ownership and residence conditions remain the same for the property.

No longer qualify? Request Homestead Removal

Article VII, Section 6 of the Florida Constitution provides that all property owners who, as of January 1, have legal or equitable title to real estate and maintain it as their permanent residence, are entitled to a $25,000 Homestead Exemption, or a percentage thereof if the ownership interest is less than 100%. Only one Homestead Exemption is allowed to any individual or family unit.

To receive the Homestead Exemption, applicants must qualify on or before January 1 and submit an application with the Property Appraiser on or before March 1 of the year in which the benefit will be applied.

Required Documents for all Applicants:

Florida driver's license, or, if you do not drive, a Florida identification card
Florida vehicle registration for all vehicles owned or leased by you, or registered to your business
Brevard County voter registration card, if you are registered to vote
Social Security card or other official document that includes the social security number. (Social Security documentation is required for the spouse of each applicant even if applicant’s spouse has no ownership interest in the homestead property)
If you are not a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident alien card ('green card')
If property is in trust, a copy of the trust agreement or a copy of a recorded memorandum of trust
If the taxpayer owns property in any other Florida County, State or US Territory, a letter from the appropriate governmental agency verifying the taxpayer does NOT receive a residency based tax benefit on that property
A copy of the applicant’s recorded deed or tax bill for property identification purposes
If the homestead is a manufactured home, registration(s) or title(s) for the manufactured home

Homestead Exemption Filing Instructions
Homestead Exemption Filing Instructions (Spanish)

Apply Online: Most applicants are able to apply for Homestead Exemption online. Please have all necessary information available for all owners before you begin the online application process.
Apply Online: Most applicants are able to apply for Homestead Exemption online. Please have all necessary information available for all owners before you begin the online application process.
Apply by Mail : Applicants can download application forms or pick them up at one of our offices, fill them out, and mail them in along with all required documentation.
Apply in Person: Applicants can visit any one of our four offices where a specialist will assist them in filing their Homestead Exemption application.

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The Additional Homestead Exemption provides qualified applicants with an additional reduction in their home's taxable value up to . This exemption is adjusted anually for inflation.

The Additional Homestead Exemption is automatically applied to any property that receives the original $25,000 Homestead Exemption. To receive the full benefit of the Additional Homestead Exemption, the property's assessed value must be at least $75,000. If the assessed value is less than $75,000, the Additional Homestead Exemption will be less than .

The Homestead Exemption is required for this exemption.

Example:

Assessed Value	Additional Homestead Exemption
$50,000 or Less	$50,000 - $50,000 = $0 No Additional Homestead
$53,890	$53,890 - $50,000 = Partial Additional Homestead of $3,890
$67,250	$67,250 - $50,000 = Partial Additional Homestead of $17,250
$75,000 or More	Maximum Additional Homestead of

The Additional Homestead Exemption is automatically applied to properties that have already been approved for the original Homestead Exemption.

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The Widow/Widower Exemption provides qualified applicants with up to a $5,000 reduction in taxable value on one property they own.

Must be a widow or widower prior to January 1 of the year in which the exemption will be applied
Cannot be remarried
Must be a permanent resident of Florida
Must provide a copy of the spouse's death certificate

The Homestead Exemption is not required for this exemption.

Apply Online: Most applicants are able to apply for this exemption online. Please have all necessary information available for all owners before you begin the online application process.
Apply Online: Most applicants are able to apply for Homestead Exemption online. Please have all necessary information available for all owners before you begin the online application process.
Apply by Mail : Applicants can download application forms or pick them up at one of our offices, fill them out, and mail them in along with all required documentation.
Apply in Person: Applicants can visit any one of our four offices where a specialist will assist with completing the Widow/Widower Exemption application.

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The Blind Persons Exemption provides qualified applicants with up to a $5,000 reduction in taxable value on one property they own.

An applicant for the $5,000 Blind Persons Exemption must be a permanent resident of Florida and provide an Optometrist's Certification of Disability, a certificate from the Division of Blind Services, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, or the Social Security Administration, certifying the applicant to be blind.

The Homestead Exemption is not required for this exemption.

Apply Online: Most applicants are able to apply for this exemption online. Please have all necessary information available for all owners before you begin the online application process.
Apply Online: Most applicants are able to apply for Homestead Exemption online. Please have all necessary information available for all owners before you begin the online application process.
Apply by Mail : Applicants can download application forms or pick them up at one of our offices, fill them out, and mail them in along with all required documentation.
Apply in Person: Applicants can visit any one of our four offices where a specialist will assist with completing the Blind Persons Exemption application.

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The $5,000 Disability Exemption provides qualified applicants with up to a $5,000 reduction in taxable value on one property they own.

An applicant for the $5,000 Disability Exemption must be a permanent resident of Florida and provide a Physician's Certificate from one Florida licensed doctor, or documentation from the Social Security Administration.

The Homestead Exemption is not required for this exemption.

Apply Online: Most applicants are able to apply for this exemption online. Please have all necessary information available for all owners before you begin the online application process.
Apply Online: Most applicants are able to apply for Homestead Exemption online. Please have all necessary information available for all owners before you begin the online application process.
Apply by Mail : Applicants can download application forms or pick them up at one of our offices, fill them out, and mail them in along with all required documentation.
Apply in Person: Applicants can visit any one of our four offices where a specialist will assist with completing the $5,000 Disability Exemption application.

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The Total & Permanent Disability Exemption for Civilians provides qualified applicants with 100% exemption from all ad-valorem property taxes.

Must be a quadriplegic, paraplegic, hemiplegic, or other total and permanent disability requiring the applicant to be confined to a wheel chair for mobility, or who is legally blind
Must have a gross household income not exceeding an amount determined annually by the Department of Revenue based on the Consumer Price Index and provided to the Property Appraiser mid-January each year
Must provide a Physician's Certificate from two, non-affiliated, licensed Florida doctors
Must provide an annual affirmation of income to retain this benefit

The Homestead Exemption is required for this exemption.

Apply Online: Most applicants are able to apply for this exemption online. Please have all necessary information available for all owners before you begin the online application process.
Apply Online: Most applicants are able to apply for Homestead Exemption online. Please have all necessary information available for all owners before you begin the online application process.
Apply by Mail : Applicants can download application forms or pick them up at one of our offices, fill them out, and mail them in along with all required documentation.
Apply in Person: Applicants can visit any one of our four offices where a specialist will assist with completing the Total & Permanent Disability Exemption for Civilians application.

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The Limited-Income Seniors Exemption provides an additional exemption for residents age 65-years and older who do not exceed state-mandated maximum income.

Article VII of the Florida Constitution gives authority to the Board of County Commissioners and municipal governments to determine the benefit amount, not to exceed $50,000.

Must be 65-years old or older on or by January 1 of the current roll year
Must have an adjusted gross household income not exceeding an amount determined annually by the Department of Revenue based on the Consumer Price Index and provided to the Property Appraiser mid-January each year
Must file an initial application with the Property Appraiser's office
Must file an initial application with the Property Appraiser's office
Must provide a copy of the prior year's Federal income tax returns - if filed, and include any wage and earning statements (W-2, 1099)

The Homestead Exemption is required for this exemption.

Apply by Mail : Applicants can download application forms or pick them up at one of our offices, fill them out, and mail them in along with all required documentation.
Apply by Mail : Applicants can download application forms or pick them up at one of our offices, fill them out, and mail them in along with all required documentation.
Apply in Person: Applicants can visit any one of our four offices where a specialist will assist with completing the Limited-Income Seniors Exemption application.

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The Assessment Reduction for Living Quarters of Parents or Grandparents exemption (also known as the 'Granny Flat' exemption) provides qualified applicants with a reduction in taxable value equal to the increase in assessed value resulting from construction or reconstruction of the property, not to exceed 20% of the total assessed value of the property as improved.

Construction or reconstruction of the quarters must be properly permitted.
Occupant of the quarters must be a parent or grandparent of the owner
Occupant must be at least 62 years old and permanently reside on the property on or before January 1st of the year in which the reduction is requested.
Occupant cannot receive any property tax benefits in any other county or state based on permanent residency.
An initial application must be filed with the Property Appraiser's office, together with plans, permits, and certificate of occupancy.
Must provide annual affirmation to retain this benefit.

The Homestead Exemption is required for this exemption.

Apply by Mail : Applicants can download application forms or pick them up at one of our offices, fill them out, and mail them in along with all required documentation.
Apply in Person: Applicants can visit any one of our four offices where a specialist will assist with completing the Assessment Reduction for Living Quarters of Parents or Grandparents Exemption application.

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Veteran & First Responder Exemptions |

The Service-Connected Total & Permanent Disability Exemption provides qualified military veterans with 100% exemption from ad-valorem property taxes on their homestead property.

Must be considered totally and permanently disabled due to a service-connected cause, or be the surviving spouse (who is not remarried) of a qualifying veteran, or the surviving spouse (who is not remarried) of a Florida resident veteran who died from service-connected causes while on active duty with the United States Armed Forces
Must provide a certificate from the United States Government or a letter from Veterans Affairs
May be requested to provide additional documents to prove the residency of a deceased veteran

The Homestead Exemption is required for this exemption.

Apply Online: Most applicants are able to apply for this exemption online. Please have all necessary information available for all owners before you begin the online application process.
Apply Online: Most applicants are able to apply for Homestead Exemption online. Please have all necessary information available for all owners before you begin the online application process.
Apply by Mail : Applicants can download application forms or pick them up at one of our offices, fill them out, and mail them in along with all required documentation.
Apply in Person: Applicants can visit any one of our four offices where a specialist will assist with completing the Service-Connected Total & Permanent Disability Exemption application.

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The First Responder Total & Permanent Disability Exemption provides qualified first responders with 100% exemption from ad-valorem property taxes on their homestead property.

Per Florida Statute 196.102:

Must be considered totally and permanently disabled due to an injury caused in the line of duty as a Florida first responder.
Must provide physician certificates from two professionally unrelated physicians, each certifying that the applicant has a total and permanent disability and that such disability renders the applicant unable to engage in any substantial gainful occupation due to an impairment of the mind or body, which condition is reasonably certain to continue throughout the life of the applicant.
Must provide an employer certificate from the organization that employed the applicant as a first responder or supervised the applicant as a volunteer first responder at the time the injury or injuries occurred.
Must provide extant documentation supplemental to the employer certificate describing the incident or event that caused the injury, such as an accident or incident report.

The Homestead Exemption is required for this exemption.

Apply Online: Most applicants are able to apply for this exemption online. Please have all necessary information available for all owners before you begin the online application process.
Apply Online: Most applicants are able to apply for Homestead Exemption online. Please have all necessary information available for all owners before you begin the online application process.
Apply by Mail : Applicants can download application forms or pick them up at one of our offices, fill them out, and mail them in along with all required documentation.
Apply in Person: Applicants can visit any one of our four offices where a specialist will assist with completing the Surviving Spouse of Military Veteran or First Responder Exemption application.

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The $5,000 Disabled Veterans Exemption provides qualified military veterans with up to a $5,000 reduction in taxable value on one property they own. Under certain circumstances, this exemption can carry over to the veteran's surviving spouse (who is not remarried).

Must be a Florida resident
Must have a service-connected disability rated between 10% and 100%
Must provide a certificate from the United States Government or a letter from Veterans Affairs

The Homestead Exemption is not required for this exemption.

Apply Online: Most applicants are able to apply for this exemption online. Please have all necessary information available for all owners before you begin the online application process.
Apply Online: Most applicants are able to apply for Homestead Exemption online. Please have all necessary information available for all owners before you begin the online application process.
Apply by Mail : Applicants can download application forms or pick them up at one of our offices, fill them out, and mail them in along with all required documentation.
Apply in Person: Applicants can visit any one of our four offices where a specialist will assist with completing the $5,000 Disabled Veterans Exemption application.

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The Homestead Tax Discount for Veterans 65 and Older with Combat-Related Disability Exemption provides an additional ad valorem property tax discount on the Homestead property of honorably discharged veterans age 65 or older with a partial or total permanent disability that is at least 10% combat related. This discount is in addition to any other exemption the applicant now receives and is added after all other exemptions are applied.

Veteran Requirements:

Must be 65-years old or older on January 1 of the year in which the exemption is to be applied
Must be honorably discharged from U.S. military service
Must have a combat-related, service-connected disability of 10% or higher
Must provide a certificate from the U.S. government or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs attesting to the percentage of disability
Must provide documented proof that at least 10% of the disability is combat related
Must complete and submit to the Property Appraiser application form DR-501DV

As of January 1, 2021, Florida law extends this exemption to the deceased veteran’s surviving spouse:

Must own the Homestead property
Must not remarry
Must submit an updated exemption application
Must provide the Property Appraiser with a copy of the deceased veteran's death certificate

The Homestead Exemption is required for this exemption.

Apply by Mail : Applicants can download application forms or pick them up at one of our offices, fill them out, and mail them in along with all required documentation.
Apply in Person: Applicants can visit any one of our four offices where a specialist will assist with completing the Homestead Tax Discount for Veterans 65 and Older with Combat-Related Disability Exemption application.

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Florida Statute 196.081 provides that an honorably discharged veteran with a service-connected total and permanent disability, or surviving spouse, is eligible to receive a refund of ad valorem property taxes paid on a newly acquired property, prorated to the transfer date.

Received the Military Total and Permanent Exemption in the prior year on property in Florida;
Acquires legal or beneficial title to another property between January 1 and November 1 of the same year; and
Applies for and receives the Military Total and Permanent Exemption on the newly acquired property the next tax year.

Apply by Contact: Applicants can request a prorated refund of ad valorem property taxes by contacting our Exemptions department.
Apply in Person: Applicants can visit any one of our four offices where a specialist will assist with their request for prorated ad valorem property tax refund.

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The Deployed Military Exemption provides qualified applicants with a reduction in taxable value on their homestead property equal to the percentage of their deployment time during the last year.

Must have been deployed during the preceding calendar year on active duty outside the continental United States, Alaska, or Hawaii in support of any of the following military operations (Florida Statue 196.173 (2)):

(a)	Operation Joint Task Force Bravo, which began in 1995
(b)	Operation Joint Guardian, which began on June 12, 1999
(c)	Operation Noble Eagle, which began on September 15, 2001
(d)	Operations in the Balkans, which began in 2004
(e)	Operation Nomad Shadow, which began in 2007.
(f)	Operation U.S. Airstrikes Al Qaeda in Somalia, which began in January 2007
(g)	Operation Copper Dune, which began in 2009
(h)	Operation Georgia Deployment Program, which began in August 2009
(i)	Operation Spartan Shield, which began in June 2011
(j)	Operation Inherent Resolve, which began on August 8, 2014
(k)	Operation Atlantic Resolve, which began in April 2014
(l)	Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, which began on January 1, 2015
(m)	Operation Resolute Support, which began in January 2015
(n)	Operation Juniper Shield, which began in February 2007
(o)	Operation Pacific Eagle, which began in September 2017
(p)	Operation Martillo, which began in January 2012
(q)	Operation Enduring Freedom – Horn of Africa, which began in January 2015
(r)	European Reassurance Initiative/European Deterrence Initiative, which began in 2014

Must file an application with the Property Appraiser's office on or before March 1st of the year following the qualified deployment.
Must provide documentation proving deployment dates.

The Homestead Exemption is required for this exemption.

Apply by Mail : Applicants can download application forms or pick them up at one of our offices, fill them out, and mail them in along with all required documentation.
Apply in Person: Applicants can visit any one of our four offices where a specialist will assist with completing the Deployed Military Exemption application.

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The Surviving Spouse of Military Veteran or First Responder Exemption provides 100% ad-valorem property tax relief to the surviving spouse of a military veteran or a first responder who died in the line of duty. Any non-ad-valorem property taxes, such as solid waste, stormwater, special assessments, etc. still apply.

The military veteran must have died from service-connected causes while on active duty.
The first responder must have died in the line of duty.

Apply Online: Most applicants are able to apply for this exemption online. Please have all necessary information available for all owners before you begin the online application process.
Apply Online: Most applicants are able to apply for Homestead Exemption online. Please have all necessary information available for all owners before you begin the online application process.
Apply by Mail : Applicants can download application forms or pick them up at one of our offices, fill them out, and mail them in along with all required documentation.
Apply in Person: Applicants can visit any one of our four offices where a specialist will assist with completing the Surviving Spouse of Military Veteran or First Responder Exemption application.

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Non-Profit Exemptions |

Non-Profit Exemption provides qualified organizations with up to 100% exemption from all ad-valorem property taxes.

The organization must file an original application for exemption with the Property Appraiser between January 2nd and March 1st.

The organizations must fit certain definitions and meet criteria of Chapter 196 of the Florida Statutes, such as:

Must have legal title on January 1 (§196.011(1)., F.S)
Must use the property for an exempt purpose on January 1 (§196.192, F.S.)
The organization using property for religious, literary, scientific, or charitable purposes must be non-profit (§196.195(4), F.S.). Property Appraisers look at financial information provided and look at the reasonableness of salaries, charges for services rendered in relation to value of services, and other items to determine whether property is used for profit making purposes (§196.195(2), F.S.).

Documents Required for All Organizations Applying for a Tax Exemption:

A copy of the organization's federal tax return (if filed), and an annual income & expense statement or annual budget
A copy of a valid 501(c)(3) Internal Revenue Service determination (churches without 501(c)(3) exempt)
A copy of a valid Consumer Certificate of Exemption from the Florida Department of Revenue (a/k/a sales tax exemption certificate)
A copy of the Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization, and by-laws

Apply by Mail : Applicants can download application forms or pick them up at one of our offices, fill them out, and mail them in along with all required documentation.
Apply in Person: Applicants can visit any one of our four offices where a specialist will assist with completing the $5,000 Disability Exemption application.

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The Non-Profit Exemption for churches provides qualified applicants with up to 100% exemption from all ad-valorem property taxes.

Requirements for Churches are the same as requirements for all non-profit organizations, with the addition of the following:

A copy of determination letter for religious organizations that have obtained an IRS 501(c)(3) designation
A copy of the Church Charter, if one exists
Copies of Church bulletins if they assist in establishing how the property was used on January 1st of the year in which they are applying

If there is no actual use on January 1st because the building is in need of renovation or the land is vacant, then the religious organization must show that affirmative steps have been taken to prepare the property for use as a house of public worship. Documents required to be submitted to the Property Appraiser may include environmental or land use permitting activities, creation of architectural plans or schematic drawings, land clearing or site preparation, construction or renovation activities, or other similar activities that demonstrate a commitment of the property to a religious use.

Apply by Mail : Applicants can download application forms or pick them up at one of our offices, fill them out, and mail them in along with all required documentation.
Apply in Person: Applicants can visit any one of our four offices where a specialist will assist with completing the Non-Profit Exemption for churches application.

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The Non-Profit Exemption for Charter Schools provides qualified applicants with up to 100% exemption from all ad-valorem property taxes.

Requirements for Charter Schools are the same as requirements for all non-profit organizations, with the addition of the following:

Must file application form DR-504CS if the charter school rents space
Must file application form DR-504 if the charter school owns the property
A signed copy of the Charter as approved by the Brevard County School Board

Apply by Mail - Charter School Owns Property : Applicants can download application forms or pick them up at one of our offices, fill them out, and mail them in along with all required documentation.
Apply by Mail - Charter School Rents Property : Applicants can download application forms or pick them up at one of our offices, fill them out, and mail them in along with all required documentation.
Apply in Person: Applicants can visit any one of our four offices where a specialist will assist with completing the Non-Profit Exemption for charter schools application.

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The Non-Profit Exemption for Homes for the Aged provides qualified applicants with up to 100% exemption from all ad-valorem property taxes.

Requirements for Homes for the Aged are the same as requirements for all non-profit organizations, with the addition of the following as governed by Florida Statute §196.1975

Must file application form DR-504HA instead of filing the DR-504 application
Must provide affidavits form DR-504S, which includes each tenant's income, age, and disability, if any, and affirms the tenant is a permanent resident of Florida, and considers the unit their permanent residence. Tenants cannot retain a homestead exemption on any other property
Must provide a spreadsheet or letter that summarizes the contents of the tenant affidavits

Apply by Mail - Application : Applicants can download application forms or pick them up at one of our offices, fill them out, and mail them in along with all required documentation.
Apply by Mail - Affidavit : Applicants can download application forms or pick them up at one of our offices, fill them out, and mail them in along with all required documentation.
Apply in Person: Applicants can visit any one of our four offices where a specialist will assist with completing the Exemption application.

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The Non-Profit Exemption for Affordable Housing provides qualified applicants with up to 100% exemption from all ad-valorem property taxes.

Requirements for Affordable Housing are the same as requirements for all non-profit organizations, with the addition of the following as governed by Florida Statute §196.1978

Tenant Spreadsheet that includes the unit number, tenant name, original lease or move-in date, household income verification date, total number of household occupants, total annual gross income for entire household, monthly rent, monthly rent contributed by tenant, utility allowance, whether they receive section 8 subsidy, and number of bedrooms.
If there is no actual use on January 1st because the building is in need of renovation or the land is vacant, then the organization must show that affirmative steps have been taken to prepare the property for use as affordable housing. Documents required to be submitted to the Property Appraiser may include environmental or land use permitting activities, creation of architectural plans or schematic drawings, land clearing or site preparation, construction or renovation activities, or other similar activities that demonstrate a commitment of the property to providing affordable housing.

Apply by Mail : Applicants can download application forms or pick them up at one of our offices, fill them out, and mail them in along with all required documentation.
Apply in Person: Applicants can visit any one of our four offices where a specialist will assist with completing the Non-Profit Exemption for Affordable Housing application.

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Conservation Exemptions |

The Exemption for Conservation Easements Dedicated in Perpetuity provides qualified applicants with a reduction in assessed value as governed by Florida Statute §196.26.

If the land is used exclusively for conservation purposes and 100% of any income generated is returned to the easement conservation management, a total exemption will be granted pursuant to Florida Statute §196.26(2)

If the land is used for allowed commercial purposes allowing the owner of the land to earn income, then the land is exempt to the extent of 50% of the assessed value.

Must file an application DR-418Cwith the Property Appraiser's office on or before March 1st
A conservation easement dedicated in perpetuity must be recorded in the Brevard County Official Records and copy must be provided to the Property Appraiser
The parcel must be 40 acres or greater. If the parcel is less than 40 acres it must meet the other requirements of Florida Statute §196.26(4) and be approved by the Acquisition and Restoration Council (ARC) as created by Florida Statute §259.035. The approval from the ARC must be provided at the time of application (contact ARC)
The Conservation Easement must include baseline documentation as to the species/natural values to be protected on the land
A management plan should be submitted if one exists
Existing buildings, structures, or other improvements situated on the parcel must be assessed according to Florida Statute Chapter 193 unless they are used for the maintenance of the easement

Apply by Mail : Applicants can download application forms or pick them up at one of our offices, fill them out, and mail them in along with all required documentation.
Apply in Person: Applicants can visit any one of our four offices where a specialist will assist with completing the Exemption for Conservation Easements Dedicated in Perpetuity application.

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The Assessment of Lands Subject to a Conservation Easement Exemption provides qualified applicants with a reduction in assessment as governed by Florida Statute §193.501 which provides that the value of land used for conservation purposes be assessed at its present use which typically results in a reduction of the assessed value.

Must file application DR-482C with the Property Appraiser's office on or before March 1st
Must file re-application DR-482CR in each subsequent year
Must notify the Property Appraiser promptly if the land becomes ineligible for assessment under this section

Failure to notify the Property Appraiser that the land was not eligible for the assessment for any year within the preceding 10 years will result in the owner being subject to taxes avoided plus 15% interest each year and a penalty of 50% of the taxes avoided

The land must have:

A Conservation Easement that retains land or water areas in their natural condition and limits dumping, removal of trees, dredging, and construction on the property
- or -
Be designated as environmentally endangered land by formal resolution of the governing board of the municipality or county within which the land is located
- or -
Be designated as conservation land in the adopted local comprehensive plan
- or -
Convey the development rights or covenant with the appropriate board for conservation restrictions provided in Florida Statute §704.06(1) for a minimum of 10 years and provide said document to the Property Appraiser

Apply by Mail : Applicants can download application forms or pick them up at one of our offices, fill them out and mail them in along with all required documentation.
Apply in Person: Applicants can visit any one of our four offices where a specialist will assist with completing the Assessment of Lands Subject to a Conservation Easement Exemption application.

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Exemptions & Florida Law |

Homestead fraud is a crime that costs taxpayers millions of dollars every year across Florida. In Brevard County alone, the BCPAO has recovered over eighteen-million dollars of taxpayer money through paid liens since we began tracking our Homestead enforcement results in June of 1999. When taxpayers receive unqualified property tax exemptions, the tax burden shifts to all other taxpayers.

Florida Statutes 196.011(9)(a) and 196.161 require the Property Appraiser to record a tax lien against property receiving an unqualified exemption so that the unqualified tax savings can be recouped.

Penalties for persons benefiting from unqualified exemptions are harsh: Sections 193.155 (9) and 196.161 of the Florida Statutes specify that owners who do not qualify for a homestead exemption and other exemptions will have a lien placed against their property and, if applicable, the properties can be back assessed for up to 10 years. The owners will also be required to pay a considerable penalty of 50% of the unpaid taxes for each year and pay an interest rate of 15% per year.

Each investigation begins because there is an indication that a taxpayer has abandoned his or her homestead or is otherwise unqualified because they or their spouse receive a residency-based benefit in another county, state, or jurisdiction.

Millions of dollars have been returned to the tax roll as a result of unqualified exemptions being denied and millions of dollars have been reimbursed to the various taxing authorities as a result of payment of liens filed against property receiving unqualified exemptions.

Year	Liens Paid	Cases
2024	1,350,542.97	910
2023	1,415,391.46	951
2022	1,140,182.88	723
2021	1,050,076.16	819
2020	1,755,597.32	346
2019	2,181,647.87	302
2018	2,878,569.99	372
2017	2,073,388.86	325
2016	1,160,386.57	249
2015	1,038,980.15	269
2014	1,102,740.11	221
2013	436,618.76	105
2012	420,092.36	90
2011	180,114.61	42
2010	531,462.20	106
2009	375,053.25	90
2008	402,167.42	96
2007	541,267.94	109
2006	254,948.13	62
2005	233,388.64	83
2004	125,633.02	46
2003	107,266.03	45
2002	87,606.72	49
2001	67,283.70	36
2000	39,201.74	16
1999	1,908.36	2
Total	20,951,517.22	6,464

It is important that we protect the Homestead Exemption for all Brevard residents. If you believe someone is unfairly benefiting from an unqualified Homestead Exemption, please report it: