As a homeowner in New Port Richey for the past 18 years, I filed my homestead exemption the same week I closed on my house — and it’s been saving me real money every single year since.
I’ve also helped my cousin in Wesley Chapel, my neighbor in Holiday, and several seniors in Land O’ Lakes get theirs approved.
If you own (or just bought) a home in Pasco County, the homestead exemption is one of the smartest things you can do. This guide walks you through everything in plain English with exact 2026 steps, deadlines, and tips.
What Is the Pasco County Homestead Exemption?
It’s a Florida benefit that gives qualifying homeowners two big advantages:
- $50,000 exemption off your taxable value
- Save Our Homes cap — limits how much your assessed value can increase each year to 3% (or the CPI, whichever is lower)
This can easily save you $400–$1,200+ per year depending on your home’s value and millage rate.
Who Qualifies in 2026?
- The property must be your permanent Florida residence as of January 1, 2026
- You must own the home (or be buying it)
- You must live in it as your primary home
- Applies to single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and mobile homes on owned land
Documents You Need (You + Spouse if Married)
- Florida driver’s license or state ID
- Social Security numbers
- Florida vehicle registration
- Voter registration card (helps speed things up)
- Recorded deed or latest tax bill showing you as owner
- If moving from another Florida county: old homestead approval or parcel ID (for portability)
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Homestead Exemption (Easiest Way)
Online (Recommended – Takes 10–15 Minutes)
- Go to https://pascopa.com
- Click “File Homestead Exemption Online”
- Fill out the form (very straightforward)
- Submit anytime before March 2, 2026 (March 1 is a Sunday, so they accept until end of day Monday)
Once approved, it renews automatically every year until you sell or move.
In-Person Visit any of the three Property Appraiser offices (see table below). Bring all documents listed above.
New in 2026: Income-Qualified Senior Exemption (Extra $50,000 Off)
This is on top of the regular homestead and only applies to county taxes.
Who qualifies:
- At least one owner is 65+ on January 1, 2026
- You already have (or qualify for) regular homestead
- Total household adjusted gross income in 2025 was $38,686 or less
How to apply:
- Must go in person to any office (cannot be done online)
- Starts January 2026
- Deadline: March 2, 2026
- Bring: Proof of age + 2025 tax return/IRS transcript + pension/bank statements
- Form: DR-501SC
Save Our Homes Portability (Bring Your Old Cap With You)
If you had homestead in another Florida county, you can transfer part of your Save Our Homes cap. Example: Old cap saved you $150,000 → you can bring up to $150,000 to your new home in Pasco and lower your assessed value immediately.
2026 Important Deadlines
- January 1, 2026 → Must be living in the home
- January 2026 → Senior exemption applications open
- March 2, 2026 → Homestead & senior deadline
- Mid-August 2026 → TRIM notice arrives (check your new exemption)
Pasco County Property Appraiser Offices (Where to Go In Person)
Office |
Address |
Phone |
Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
New Port Richey (West) |
8731 Citizens Drive, Suite 130 |
(727) 847-8151 |
West Pasco residents |
Land O’ Lakes (Central) |
4111 Land O’ Lakes Blvd, Suite 106 |
(813) 929-2780 |
Wesley Chapel, Lutz |
Dade City (East) |
14236 6th Street, Suite 101 |
(352) 521-4433 |
East Pasco & rural areas |
All open Monday–Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM.
Practical Tips From Real Experience
- File as soon as you close on a new house — even in February.
- If you moved from another Florida county, ask about portability the same day.
- Keep one folder with your approval letter and every tax bill.
- Check your record online at search.pascopa.com every January and August.
- Don’t wait until March 1 — the website can get slow.
Need Help With Your Specific Situation?
If you just bought a home, are moving from another county, are 65+, or simply want me to explain your options in plain English, email me at contact@pascocountypropertyappraiser.us.
Put “Homestead Exemption” in the subject and include your parcel ID or address. I’ll guide you exactly as I do for my own neighbors here in New Port Richey.
Bookmark These Links
- Apply Online → https://pascopa.com (click “File Homestead Exemption Online”)
- Property Records Search → https://search.pascopa.com
- Official Site → https://pascopa.com
Filing your homestead exemption is one of the smartest moves you can make as a Pasco homeowner. Do it early and enjoy the savings for years to come.
Take care of your home, Raj Patel New Port Richey Resident & Founder PascoCountyPropertyAppraiser.us