Per F.S.196.202, property to the value of $500 of every widow or widower who is a bona fide resident of this state shall be exempt from taxation. For non-homestead property, applicants must provide proof of Florida residency in addition to the requirements listed below.
In order to receive the widow(er)'s exemption, you must file an application along with providing a copy of the deceased spouse’s death certificate to the Property Appraiser. Please be advised that if you and your spouse were divorced before his/her death, you are not considered a widow or widower for purposes of this exemption. Also, you remarry, you are no longer eligible for the exemption.
The deadline for filing all exemptions is March 1st. After the exemption has been filed for and granted, you receive an automatic renewal of exemption annually as long as the eligibility requirements are still being met.