ORANGE PARK - Clay County Property Appraiser Tracy Scott Drake announced to the citizens of Clay County that the statutory deadline to apply for property tax exemptions is March 1.

Homestead exemption applicants must have legal or equitable title to the property as of Jan.  1. Applicants must also provide at least two documents to establish proof of permanent residency (i.e., updated driver’s license or identification card, voter registration card, vehicle registration, utility bill, etc.); all applicants' social security number (including spouses) is required. Applicants not U.S. citizens must provide a copy of their permanent resident (green) card. Applicants without permanent residence status should contact our office for eligibility details. Manufactured (mobile) homeowners should also bring the title(s) or registration(s) to the home.

Applications may be filed at our main office in Green Cove Springs (located on the 2nd floor of the Administration Building), at our Orange Park branch office located at 1518 Park Avenue (Park Central Plaza), or at the Tax Collector’s branch office located at 7380 State Road 100, Keystone Heights (visit our website for a detailed schedule), or by email to exemptionsonline@ccpao.com. Before emailing an application, visit the office website at www.ccpao.com or contact the office for the list of supporting documentation required to complete the application, as incomplete applications will be subject to denial. Appointments are not needed or necessary.

Once the initial application has been filed, granted exemptions will be displayed on the office’s website (property search function). Additionally, granted homestead exemptions will be automatically renewed each January, and a renewal notice will be mailed. It is the property owners’ responsibility to notify the Property Appraiser if eligibility for exemptions has changed.

Florida law provides for a number of ad valorem property tax exemptions, agricultural classifications, and assessment reductions that will reduce the taxable value of property. The property owner must qualify as of January 1 of the current assessment year. For more information, please visit www.ccpao.com or contact our office at (904) 284-6305, ext. 1, to speak with an Exemptions Specialist.