If you know or suspect fraud or non-compliance is taking place, let us know about it. You are not required to provide your name when reporting suspected fraud. Any identifying information provided by you becomes part of the public record and is subject to disclosure upon request. If you wish to remain anonymous and do not want your email address, contact or other identifying information released in response to a public-records request, do not include that information in your correspondence. Please call (850) 997-3356 to report non-compliance or fraud.

If found in violation of homestead exemption, or other exemptions, a tax lien can be filed against the property; owners can be back-taxed for up to ten years and will be required to pay a penalty of 50% of the unpaid tax for each year and will be assessed interest at a rate of 15% per year. Ouch! It adds up to big dollar amounts – fast! (See sections 193.155 (10) and 196.161 of the Florida Statutes)

Report Anonymously. We do not collect your personal information or email address.

Help us prevent Homestead Fraud!

Homestead exemption fraud is a serious issue that affects every taxpayer. Homestead exemption was created as a benefit for homeowners who live in Florida and make it their permanent and legal residence. When someone is receiving an exemption to which he or she is not entitled, law-abiding property owners must make up the difference in lost tax revenue by paying higher taxes.

Please Note: It may appear on our website that someone has two homestead exemptions when they in fact do not. This is because the status of a property on January 1 each year is used to determine the property’s value and exemptions for the entire year. This means if a property owner has homestead exemption and sells the property or expires after January 1st, his/her exemption will remain on the property for the entire calendar year, and will be removed as of January 1 of the next year. Although there will still be an exemption on the property after the sale, it is NOT the new owner’s exemption. Check the date of sale to see if this is pertinent to the property. Also, multiple ownership of homesteaded property can lead to confusion about homestead eligibility. One owner may qualify for homestead exemption while the others do not. Please contact our office for multiple ownership details.

If you know of anyone who is claiming homestead exemption on a property where he or she has not established permanent residency, is rented, vacant or is merely a vacation home, we urge you to make a report to our office by completing the form below.

Homestead Fraud Report Form