Do I need to reapply for homestead exemption every year in Florida?

What Florida law says

Under Florida Statutes section 196.011 (as of 2026), the first homestead application is filed with the county property appraiser by March 1. In later years, renewal is handled by the property appraiser rather than by a new application from you, and a county may waive the annual application requirement at the property appraiser's request.

A new application is still required when the property is sold, when ownership changes, or when the owner no longer lives there. Buying a different home means applying for homestead on the new home.[1]

How Palm Beach and Broward handle renewal

The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser renews the homestead exemption annually as long as you continue to qualify, and mails a homestead exemption receipt after January 1 to confirm the renewal. Check the receipt for accuracy.

The Broward County Property Appraiser has explained that the exemption automatically renews each year unless there is a change of ownership or use, and that each January it mails a Homestead Renewal Notice and a change card to homesteaded owners.[2][3]

When you must contact the property appraiser

Florida law requires owners to notify the property appraiser promptly when the use or status of the property changes in a way that affects the exemption — for example, if you move out, rent the home, or transfer it. If an owner fails to do so and was not entitled to the exemption in any of the prior 10 years, the owner can owe the exempted taxes plus 15% interest per year and a 50% penalty, and a tax lien can be recorded (as of 2026).[1][2]