Relocation Information for Ocala Marion County

Florida Homestead Exemption

Homestead exemption is a constitutional guarantee that reduces the assessed value of residential property up to $25,000 for qualified permanent residents. You can reduce your ad valorem tax bill by seeking a homestead exemption on the first $25,000 of your home's value. To file for the exemption, establish residency by December 31 prior to the year you will claim exemption, then file for exemption in January or February.

Information needed to file homestead exemption are as follows:

• Proof to establish residency prior to January 1 for all owners who occupy the property.
  • Florida Voter Registration Card or Declaration of Domicile.
  • A Valid Florida Driver's License or Identification Card.
  • Florida Auto Tag Registration on all vehicles privately owned.
  • Social Security Numbers
• To prove that your residency was established in the required time frame, provide a recorded deed or tax bill in your name for the home or vehicle registration/title for a mobile home.

Eligibility for Homestead Exemption

• Homeowners who rent their home are unable to qualify for homestead exemption. Rental of one's primary residence constitutes abandonment of homestead exemption.
• Mobile Home Owners can get homestead exemption if they own the land to which the mobile home is permanently affixed. The Title or Registration to the mobile home and residency of documentation are needed.
• Citizenship is not required to file for homestead exemption. An applicant who is not an U.S. Citizen must present a Declaration of Domicile and a permanent resident alien card (green card) when they apply.
• If you are a qualified Florida resident who has a spouse that has deceased, you are eligible for a windows or widowers exemption.
• Exemptions are not automatically transferred from one residence to a new home. To receive an exemption on a new home, one must reapply before March 1.
• One will receive the benefit of a previous owners' exemption for the remainder of that year when purchasing a new home. To continue the exemption, one must reapply before March 1 of the next year to qualify.
• If the property is in a trust, a copy of the trust agreement is necessary to determine those situations under which the resident may obtain homestead exemption. The Florida Constitution requires that the homestead claimant have beneficial title or legal title in equity to the property.
• Other Tax exemptions include medical and disabled veterans, total and permanent disability, quadriplegic, blinds, wheelchair confined and service connected disability exemptions

Other Eligibility Requirements:

$25,000 Homestead Exemption - On January 1 you must have owned and occupied the property as your permanent legal residence.

$500 Widows & Widowers Exemption - On January 1 you must not have remarried.

$500 Disability Exemption - On January 1, you must have been disabled for one of the following reasons:

1. Blind
2. A Veteran disabled 10% or more by war or service connected misfortune or
3. A permanent resident totally and permanently disabled.

Consult the Property Appraiser for written doctor's certifications which must be submitted prior to receiving this exemption.

WHEN YOU APPLY FOR ANY EXEMPTION FOR THE FIRST TIME, YOU MUST CONTACT THE PROPERTY APPRAISER'S OFFICE BY MARCH 1; BE PREPARED TO ATTEST UNDER OATH AS TO THE LENGTH OF YOUR PERMANENT FLORIDA RESIDENCY. BY LAW THE ABSOLUTE DEADLINE FOR FILING FOR THE CURRENT YEAR IS MARCH 1.

For Marion County Florida, inquiries or questions should be directed to the Property Appraiser, 501 S.E. 25^th Ave., Ocala, Florida 32671. Telephone (352) 368-8200.

Real Estate Taxes

The real estate tax is a combination of city, county (some have hospital, district fire and flood control) and school taxes and is based on the assessed value of a property either business or residential. It will vary according to location, type of construction and if residential property, as to allowance of Homestead, Widow's or Disability Exemption.

The tax year runs with the calendar year. Real estate taxes are due and payable November 1, of the current year, subject to discounts as follows: During November 4%, December 3%, January 2%, February 1%, and March Net. Taxes are delinquent as of April 1^st of each year and carry an increasing penalty for non-payment, and finally, sale.

Driver's License:

You are allowed 30 days after you move into Florida to apply for a Florida Driver's License. The cost is $20 and the license is good for six years. You will need two pieces of identification, such as a birth certificate, passport or voter registration card.

110 SE 25 Ave (State Office, call 732-1366)

6154 SW SR 200 - 873-3113

N Hwy 441 (Kash N' Karry Shopping Center @ 441 & 326)

For information and an appointment to take the test, call (352) 732-1366

Vehicle Registration:

Florida law allows ten days after you move into Florida to register your vehicle with the County Tax Collector. You will need to drive the vehicle to the tax collector's office. Be sure to have the following items with you: out-of-state title to the vehicle, vehicle registration, current Florida exhaust emissions inspection certificate, your driver's license and proof of Florida insurance. As a minimum, Florida requires PIP coverage (Personal Injury Protection) and property damage insurance.

When you register your vehicle, you will receive a license tag that must be renewed each year during the month prior to your birthday.

There are 6 offices of the tax collector in Marion County:

Main Office 368-8200 - 503 SE 25th, Ocala

Belleview 245-3395 - 10934 S Hwy 441

Dunnellon 489-4317 - 12014 S Williams Street

Forest 625-1950 - 15956 E Hwy 40 Silver Springs

State Rd 200 873-3113 - 6154 SW Hwy 200

N Hwy 441 (Kash N' Karry Shopping Center @ 441 & 326)

Child Restraint:

Florida requires children under the age of six to be buckled into an approved child safety seat while riding in a car, truck or van. The driver is responsible to see that this is done.

Voter Registration:

To register to vote in Florida, you must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Florida and a U.S. citizen. You must register to vote in the County where you reside. You will need to bring proof of you street address, such as your driver's license, a utility bill with street address on it, or your lease agreement.

In Ocala, you can register to vote at 402 SE 25th Ave., Ocala. For more information, call Supervisor of Elections at 620-3290.

Pet Registration:

The State of Florida requires pets to be registered and vaccinated when they move to Florida. The cost is $20 if the pet is not neutered and $10 if it is.

Electricity:

This service is furnished primarily by Ocala City Utilities. Other providers are also listed. An application must be completed before service will be connected.

Ocala City Utilities: 629-8411

Florida Power and Light: (800) 700-8744

Clay Electric: 685-2111

Sumter Electric: 237-4107

Water and Sewer:

Most of the outlying county areas are on private well and septic. Ocala, Belleview and several communities offer water service. Sewage is limited to major areas of Ocala and some other incorporated areas. Your real estate professional should provide information on your specific area.

Ocala City Utilities: 351-6770

Belleview City Utilities: 245-6760

Dunnellon Utilities: 489-2424

Garbage Pickup:

Private service is available outside of the City of Ocala.

Ocala Home Garbage Service (city of Ocala): 351-6697

Andy's Garbage Service (South Marion County): 245-4266

Alternative Waste Services: 624-3100

Personalized Waste Management: 369-9989

Waste Management: 854-0288

Young's Garbage Service: 489-7940

Cable TV:

Several providers supply cable television service to the surrounding area.

Cox Communications: 237-1111
Time Warner Communications: 245-2408

Telephone Service:

Call Sprint at (800) 339-1811 for residential service and (800) 800-7141 for commercial service.

Gas Service:

TECO People's Gas Service: 622-0111