The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

GenYou Floor Plans Are Centered Around You

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Del Webb Bexley’s new, exclusive GenYou Floor Plans™ are all about you. After all, that’s what the next chapter in your life is about – living life how you want to. Del Webb Bexley designed a set of floor plans that can be centered around what you want to do. Whether it’s cooking, entertaining, hosting out-of-town guests, or just taking up a new hobby, there is a plan for that. You can expect luxury features such as zero-entry showers, point-of-use storage, widened hallways, and open flowing spaces in every plan. 

The GenYou Floor Plans™ are offered in three series; the Scenic, Distinctive and Echelon. The Scenic series is perfect for homeowners looking to downsize without losing the benefits of a larger space, the Distinctive series is well-suited for homeowners looking to further customize their space, and the Echelon series offers the most options, flexibility and refinement. 

Del Webb Bexley’s model park, 19265 Del Webb Blvd in Land O’ Lakes, has six GenYou models that are open seven days a week. The professionally decorated GenYou models include the Contour, Hallmark, Mainstay, Mystique Grand, Stardom and Renown.

Bexley Contour

Contour
Starting from $386,990, the Contour (2 bed, 2 bath and 1,405+ square feet)  makes use of natural light and openness to make the space feel bigger than it is, from the foyer to the large covered patio. This floor plan offers the ability to spread out with a forward-facing flex room that can be used as a private office, craft room, whatever you need for how you want to live your life. And, overnight guests will feel right at home in the well-sized secondary bedroom.

Bexley Hallmark

Hallmark
The Hallmark lets you live big while keeping life simple. Starting from $399,990, the largest plan in the Scenic series (2 bed, 2 bath, and 1,655 square feet) offers additional space while still remaining manageable. The extra space in this plan allows for a larger owner’s bath for when you want a little extra pampering. And the location of the flex room offers a great opportunity for a formal dining room and frees up more space in the everyday living area.

Bexley Mainstay

Mainstay
Starting from $459,990, the Mainstay offers an abundance of space and light. The floor plan (2-3 beds, 2 baths, 1,948+ square feet) provides close connection to the outdoors with its placement of the gathering room in the back of the home, with clear views to the patio. The kitchen is the central hub of this plan and gives easy access to all gathering spaces in the home. If you prefer traditional dining spaces, there is an option to turn the pantry and flex room into a butler’s pantry and formal dining room.

Bexley Mystique

Mystique Grand
Starting from $542,990, the Mystique Grand floor plan is a social butterfly’s dream. By placing the covered patio next to the café and gathering room, this plan (3-5 beds, 3 baths, 2,748+ square feet) creates a versatile indoor/outdoor entertaining space that is sure to be the site of many gatherings. Cook for the whole block with this spacious kitchen that comes with extended cabinetry and a large kitchen island for extra storage.

Bexley Stardom

Stardom
If you plan to live with a roommate or sibling, consider the Stardom floor plan. Starting from $524,990, this floor plan (2-3 beds, 2.5-3.5 baths, 2,269+ square feet) has an additional bedroom that can easily become a second Owner’s Suite, already equipped with a private bath and walk-in closet. Enjoy a cup of coffee in the central kitchen while taking in panoramic views from the wall of windows across the café and gathering room.

Bexley Renown

Renown
If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury, welcome to the Renown. Starting from $564,990, the largest in the entire GenYou series, the Renown offers nothing short of the best with a standard 3-car garage, dual walk-in closets in the Owner’s Suite, extended cabinetry in the kitchen to store small appliances, plus 2 private secondary bedrooms with individual ensuites.

For more information on Del Webb Bexley’s GenYou Floor Plans™, go to DelWebb.com/Bexley or call 813-412-8842.

Del Webb Bexley, just off Sunlake Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, has made it its mission to transform the idea of “living a fulfilled lifestyle” into an all-encompassing development. Just east of the Gulf Coast beaches and northwest of Tampa, the active 55+ adult community of Del Webb Bexley offers easy access to workplaces throughout Tampa Bay and an array of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, including the Tampa Premium Outlets. It is conveniently close to downtown Tampa and the Tampa International Airport. 

Published February 22, 2023

Grand Openings and a Sales Event in Mattamy Homes’ Area Communities

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Mattamy Homes is excited to announce a new sales event in all area new home communities, and also to open its newest addition, Timberdale at Chapel Crossings, the popular Wesley Chapel master-planned community.

Timberdale at Chapel Crossings officially opens by appointment only to welcome new homebuyers on Feb. 23. Timberdale brings Mattamy Homes’ award-winning paired villas to Wesley Chapel with open and airy layouts that truly live like single-family homes. Three paired villa home designs — the Largo, Oceana and Regatta — will offer 2 to 3 bedrooms plus a flex room or study, and range from 1,431 square feet to 1,765 square feet, and include lawn maintenance for easy, low-maintenance living. Timberdale will feature three exterior styles for the paired villas — Coastal, Craftsman and Modern. Two professionally-decorated model homes will officially open on March 4 to the public.

Conveniently located just a short drive from premiere Pasco County destinations such as The Shops at Wiregrass, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and the Tampa Premium Outlets, Chapel Crossings offers the best of West Central Florida living.

Chapel Crossings’ amenities are under construction and will offer Mattamy’s Timberdale and Asbury homeowners access to a fun-filled clubhouse with a fitness center, dog park (the perfect place to make your pet’s day), a resort-style pool and a lazy river. These amenities will be a great place to connect with friends, family and neighbors – and give residents access to well-being, sun, shade and happiness all year-round.

“We are thrilled to be a part of this exciting new master-planned community, and especially to be offering three types of new home living based on the needs and wants of today’s homebuyer,” says Kathleen Dec, director of marketing for Mattamy Homes.

“Chapel Crossings has meticulously planned fun amenities that are under construction, with an emphasis on beautiful streetscapes and curb appeal, which is something that Mattamy Homes builds into every community and home.”

In addition to the paired villa homes at Timberdale, Mattamy soon will offer single-family and townhome living in this 425-acre master-planned community, which also will feature retail and office space for added convenience. 

Following Timberdale is Asbury at Chapel Crossings  — a neighborhood of stylish single-family homes. Mattamy’ Asbury home designs will include nine single-family home designs from 1,506 square feet to 2,810 square feet and have 2 to 5 bedrooms. Asbury will begin sales and unveil a designer-decorated model home in March.

Both Mattamy neighborhoods will have Florida Green Building Certification and offer an array of energy-efficient green features and a smart home tech package.

Mattamy Homes also will be opening an additional neighborhood of stylish townhomes, Twin Creek at Chapel Crossings this Summer.

Volanti Sebring

Volanti in Wesley Chapel
Located just 4 miles from Interstate 75, off Wesley Chapel Boulevard, Volanti offers stylish, low-maintenance townhomes and boasts excellent access to the best of the Wesley Chapel area, including premier shopping and dining destinations at Tampa Premium Outlets, the Grove, and The Shops at Wiregrass.

Volanti

Volanti was recently awarded the prestigious 2022 Community of The Year by the Tampa Bay Builders Association.

Four home designs — the Marianna, Ormond, Sebring and Venice — currently are available, ranging from 1,667 square feet to 2,574 square feet, with 3 to 4 bedrooms and 2.5 to 3 baths. All have 1- or 2-car attached garages and large lanais. There are three exterior styles available at Volanti — Craftsman, French Country and Contemporary.

The gated community will have 200 homes at build out, and offers brand new amenities including a resort-style swimming pool with an open-air pavilion, a barbecue area and a fire pit.

Making the community even more attractive is free lawn maintenance, and no Community Development District (CDD) fees.

An array of quick move-in townhomes are available with new lower pricing. Four beautiful models are open for tours daily, with private appointments available.

Parkview Elm

Parkview at Long Lake Ranch in Lutz
Positioned along State Road 54 at Sunlake Boulevard is Parkview at Long Lake Ranch, which offers single-family homes and townhomes. Parkview also has fun-filled amenities including Parkview Pavilion, the hub of the community that features a resort-style pool, shaded breezeway, cabanas and social gathering areas. Residents of this gated community also can enjoy a paw park, two tot lots, and fun park areas. Parkview offers low HOA fees for residents.

There are currently 13 quick move-in single-family homes and townhomes, as well as nine floor plans to choose from, including the Myrtle, which is a thoughtfully crafted 2-story home with 2,713 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a 3-car tandem garage.

Six designer-decorated model homes are open daily. 

Citron Grove – Close To It All
Mattamy also brings its award-winning townhomes to Odessa at an enclave of 60 new townhomes just off Gunn Highway. This community, Citron Grove, offers unique Craftsman-style townhomes. Two floor plans are available — the Marianna and Ormond. Citron Grove is just 1.5 miles from the Veterans Expressway, 2 miles from Citrus Park Mall and 12 miles from Tampa’s Westshore Business District and International Airport. It’s an easy commute to work or the sports, recreation and arts that Tampa offers. The community includes a number of beautiful preserved trees and was formerly the Be Mac Nursery. It offers low-maintenance living, value-oriented price points and is zoned for outstanding schools. New lower pricing is now available, and townhomes are ready for move-in. Two decorated model homes are open daily for tours.

CItron Grove

READY NOW Sales Event
Mattamy Homes currently is having a READY NOW sales event through March 28. This includes new lower pricing on select quick move-in homes, mortgage rate buydown, and paid closing costs. It is now easier than ever to own a new Mattamy home. There are a number of quick move-in homes available so buyers can move in sooner, including homes that are already completed. Mattamy invites you to contact a New Home Counselor for more information on these special savings and to learn more about the wide selection of available quick move-in homes.

About Mattamy Homes
Mattamy Homes is the largest, privately owned homebuilder in North America, with 40-plus years of history across the United States and Canada. Every year, Mattamy helps more than 8,000 families realize their dream of homeownership. In the United States, the company builds homes in Dallas, Charlotte, Raleigh, Phoenix, Tucson, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Sarasota, Naples and Southeast Florida.

For more information about all of Mattamy Homes’ local communities, go to MattamyHomes.com/tampa or email .

Published February 22, 2023

ICI Homes Continues To Actively Grow 

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ICI Homes, one of Florida’s best known and most prestigious homebuilders, continues to see a lot of happy residents moving into its four residential communities.

“We’re looking forward to bringing in a whole new collection of ICI Homes family members this year,” says Greg Jones, Tampa division manager for ICI Homes.

Here are the current updates and future developments of the communities ICI Homes works with here in Pasco County.

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE LAKE JOVITA
Lake Jovita — an established, master-planned community located just north of Tampa in Dade City — is flourishing with great success. The community is close to being 75% sold out. 

“The beauty of Lake Jovita is the lots are big, there’s plenty of space between neighbors and the elevation changes in the community,” says Jones. “It’s a very unique area of Florida. It really does feel like North Carolina with the 250 feet elevation changes.”

There currently are two move-in ready homes available — The Charlotte and Costa Mesa. 

The Charlotte is reminiscent of a quaint cottage with its highly pitched roof. The floor plan is designed for optimal convenience, allowing owners to enter through a mudroom area attached to the garage. The walk-in pantry is just steps away from the mudroom, making bringing in the groceries an easy chore. From there, enter the kitchen and open living and dining areas, perfect for entertaining or spending time with the family. This home features a rear master suite for owners to retreat to for privacy, at the end of the day.

The Costa Mesa is one of ICI Home’s most popular floor plans, coming in at over 2,500 square feet. This open floor plan allows for the living room, gourmet kitchen and dining room to be one expansive space sharing plenty of natural Florida sunlight. A cup of coffee can be enjoyed on the covered lanai. The master suite is situated at the rear of the home, featuring a large walk-in closet, double vanities and a roomy walk-in shower. 

SECOND PHASE IN BEXLEY OFF TO GREAT START
Sales are already coming with the recent opening of Phase Two of Bexley, a planned community embracing a natural setting in Land O’ Lakes.

The second phase features 32 homesites that are a short walk to Bexley’s premier amenity center, which features a resort-style pool, game room, well-equipped fitness room, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, and a community cafe.

There are two inventory homes — the Primrose and the Lantana — currently under construction that will soon be available to purchase and ready to move into by April. A model center — which will feature a Primrose transitional floor plan —will also be open at that time, as well. 

The Lantana’s floor plan, which is nearly 1,800 square feet, boasts 12-foot-high ceilings throughout, with several transom windows to allow the beauty of the Florida sunlight to brighten rooms. A great selling feature of this floor plan is its outdoor, covered lanai that provides ample space for relaxation.

The Primrose is a two-story plan featuring nearly 2,500 square feet of living space, with a master bedroom suite on the main level, along with one guest bedroom and bathroom. The spacious living area is connected to a beautiful kitchen and dining area, with plenty of gathering room. The second story includes two additional bedrooms, a full bath, and a bonus room.

CONNERTON ALMOST SOLD OUT
Rose Pointe at Connerton — Pasco County’s largest, master-planned, mixed-use community — is almost sold out. One inventory home —  The Egret  — will be available for purchase and is move-in ready.

The Egret has more than 3,000 square feet in space. As owners walk into the home, they’re greeted by a large dining room on one side and a flex room on the other. The gathering room is the heart of this home and includes a luxurious gourmet kitchen with nook. The master suite features plenty of privacy, as well as large his and hers walk-in closets and a spacious bath with separate vanities. Two guest bedrooms and a bathroom on the other side of the home allow enough space for everyone. A functional utility/laundry room is nearby the two-car garage for all your storage needs, with an option for a three-car garage.

LOTS OF ACTIVITY AT PERSIMMON PARK
Located in Wesley Chapel by The Shops at Wiregrass, all Persimmon Park homes have open floor plans with front porches, and garages and alleys at the back of the home.

ICI has two model homes — The Primrose and The Lantana — up for sale with a lease-back opportunity. There also are two move-in ready homes, the Primrose and the Lily, that will be available by April.

The Lily is just under 1,900 square feet and has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. It has an open floor plan concept. The master suite is privately located in the back of the home and features a large walk-in closet and spacious bath.

ICI Homes model homes are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday; and noon to 6 p.m., on Sunday. The Persimmon Park model is at 3793 Lajuana Blvd., Wesley Chapel; the Lake Jovita Sales Center is at 12330 Lake Jovita Blvd., in Dade City; and the Asturia model is at 2112 Secret Cove in Odessa. To schedule a VIP appointment, call 844-349-6401, or email Greg Jones at .

Published February 22, 2023

Welcome to Ashton Oaks

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Is it possible to combine the serenity of wide open spaces with the bustling activity of urban life? Here at Ashton Oaks, we believe so!

Positioned on the northern border of the Starkey Wilderness Preserve in Pasco County, we offer one- and two-bedroom apartment homes with tranquil, natural settings conveniently located just minutes from Tampa’s most sought after shopping, dining and recreational venues.

Ashton Oaks offers a discount program for first responders in the Tampa Bay area. Recipients of this program include law enforcement, nurses, doctors and more.

We currently are under renovations and cannot wait for you to see all the stunning features coming to our community.

Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact us today to schedule a tour of your future home!

Ashton Oaks is located at 11843 Faithful Way, New Port Richey, FL 34654. For information, visit AshtonOaks-apts.com.

Vote-by-mail ballots going out

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Vote-by-mail ballots for elections in the cities of Zephyrhills, Port Richey and New Port Richey will be mailed out on March 2 to voters with requests on file, according to a news release from the office of Brian Corley, Pasco County’s supervisor of elections.

Election Day in those municipalities is April 11.

Vote-by-mail requests previously remained in effect through two General Election cycles, but a change in state law in 2021 limited a request’s longevity to one election cycle.

Therefore, every vote-by-mail request expired on Jan. 1.

The deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot for the Municipal Election is April 1.

Voted ballots must be returned to the elections’ office by 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Please allow enough time for first-class delivery by the U.S. Postal Service, or you can bring your  ballot to any of the three Supervisor of Elections’ Offices in Pasco County.

Voted ballots also are accepted at city halls but may not be turned in at the polls on Election Day, the news release says. 

When making a request, voters will be required to provide specific information to order their mail ballot, including either their Florida driver license number, Florida identification card number, or the last four digits of their social security number.

The information provided is used to verify the voter’s identity. Requests can be made online at PascoVotes.gov or by calling 800-851-8754.

Voters who wish to vote in person before Election Day may vote at the New Port Richey, Port Richey and Zephyrhills city halls beginning March 6.

Voters are encouraged to ensure their voter registration is up to date, and if voting by mail, that a current signature is on file.   

Municipal elections are for voters residing within the city limits only. 

Sample ballots will be available online at PascoVotes.gov approximately 30 days prior to Election Day.

Election Day voter turnout and election results will be posted online at PascoVotes.gov after the polls close at 7 p.m.

Published February 22, 2023

New State Road 52 alignment opens in East Pasco

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A new alignment of State Road 52 has opened in East Pasco, from Uradco Place to U.S. 301.

Elected leaders and government officials gathered for a ribbon-cutting on Feb. 17 to signal the opening of the new State Road 52 alignment in East Pasco. (Courtesy of Andy Taylor/Pasco County)

Officials from state and local governments, including David Gwynn, secretary of Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District 7, gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 17.

Traffic was switched to the new alignment on State Road 52, from Uradco Place, east of Interstate 75 to U.S. 301, before noon on Feb. 17.

The current traffic configuration consists of one lane in each direction (westbound and eastbound) divided by a median from the beginning project limits at Uradco Place to Prospect Road. Traffic just east of Prospect Road continues in the two-lane, two-way configuration along Clinton Avenue through the end limits just west of Fort King Road. Traffic signals are operational at Mirada Boulevard, Curley Road and Prospect Road, according to FDOT.

Clinton Avenue between Pasadena Avenue and U.S. 301 is now part of the new State Road 52. Construction will continue all along the new corridor into summer 2023 to open additional lanes and complete the project later in the year. Drivers should stay within the posted speed limit and remain alert that the area is still a construction zone.

The former alignment of State Road 52 from west of Mirada Boulevard to U.S. 301 is now designated as Pasco County Road 52. To access old State Road 52 (now County Road 52), use Mirada Boulevard, Curley Road or Prospect Road.

The short section of the old alignment near the west end between Emmaus Cemetery Road and Piney Grove Baptist Church is open to local traffic only; you can access that area from new State Road 52 by using Mirada Boulevard between County Road 52 (old State Road 52) and the new alignment of State Road 52.

Published February 22, 2023

Valentine’s Day tradition continues

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Couples gathered on Valentine’s Day for a group wedding ceremony in the courtyard of the Historic Pasco County Courthouse. The event has become an annual tradition and has been going on for 15 years. (Courtesy of the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office)

Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles presided over a group wedding ceremony in a Valentine’s Day ceremony that has become an annual tradition.

This year, 18 couples exchanged their “I Do’s” — including 16 who were tying the knot for the first time and two who were renewing their vows, according to information from the clerk’s office.

The brief ceremony took place in the courtyard at the Historic Pasco County Courthouse, at 37918 Meridian Ave., in Dade City.

The tradition began in 2009, with a total of 261 couples, so far, taking advantage of the romantic day to profess their love and dedicate their lives to each other.

Guests were welcome and refreshments were provided.

The couples received a gift bag, a marriage packet, and a complimentary consultation and preparation of simple wills from McClain & Alfonso P.A.

 

A walk through the past

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Anita Nales was a lucky winner of tickets to the Dino & Dragons exhibit. Here, her two great grandchildren take a walk on the wild side, visiting these life-size creatures of the past. The exhibit runs through Feb. 26 at the Harry Schwettman Education Center in New Port Richey.

There’s plenty to see, do, and to eat, at this fair

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The 76th annual Pasco County Fair kicks off with a parade in downtown Dade City, before ushering in all sorts of festivities and fun — for people of all ages.

The parade, dubbed “Something to Crow About,” is set to begin at 11:30 a.m., on Feb. 20 in downtown Dade City.

Later on, at 3 p.m., the fair gates and exhibits open at the fairgrounds, at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52, in Dade City.

Fair-goers will have loads of choices.

This midway, from a previous Pasco County Fair, serves as a reminder of the fun that awaits visitors to the 76th annual Pasco County Fair, set for Feb. 20 through Feb. 26. (File)

They can check out the Big Rock Amusements Midway, or take in the poultry and rabbit exhibit. They can watch Robinson’s Racing Pigs, or take in Lew-E’s Comedy Circus, and those are just a few of the choices being offered on Day One of the fair.

That’s not to mention, of course, the rides.

Thrill-seekers who want to get their pulse racing will be able to satisfy their desires, as will the less adventurous types.

Choices on this year’s Midway include a Cobra Coaster, Flying Elephants, a Beach Buggy, the Giant Wheel and the Grand Carousel, to name just a few.

Of course, there are art, photography and plant exhibits. And, there are all sorts of contests, too, including a spaghetti-eating event, karaoke and a talent competition.

The history of fairs in Dade City dates back to 1915, according to the fair’s website.

But it wasn’t until 1947, when a group of local businessmen got together, that the fair began to showcase county resources.

“The group was led by San Antonio rancher D.E. Cannon, along with agriculture agent Jimmy Higgins and businessmen George Nikolai, Bob Williams and Joe Collura,” the website says.

“The group found a perfect location on 40 acres along State Road 52 and raised $3,500 to purchase the site. On April 7, 1947, the Pasco County Fair Association Inc. was chartered with the purpose of hosting an annual fair to promote youth and other county resources.”

Based on the planned activities and exhibits for this year’s fair, those ideals appear to have staying power.

76th annual Pasco County Fair
When: Feb. 20 through Feb. 26
Hours:
Feb. 20: 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Feb. 21 through Feb. 23: 4 p.m. through 11 p.m.
Feb. 24: 4 p.m. to midnight
Feb. 25: 10 a.m. to midnight
Feb. 26: noon to 8 p.m.
Where: Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52, in Dade City
Cost: Regular ticket prices are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 through 12, children under 5 admitted free.
Parking is free.
Info: Visit www.pascocountyfair.com

Published February 15, 2023

March 1 is application deadline for tax break

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The Hillsborough County Property Appraiser has issued this reminder: Homeowners have until March 1 to apply for a homestead exemption.

When a home is purchased, state law requires the home’s value to reset to the current market value.

If a homestead exemption application is approved, Hillsborough County homeowners are protected with a 3% cap, thanks to the “Save Our Homes” Amendment, according to a news release from the property appraiser’s office.

Hillsborough County homeowners have until March 1 to apply for a homestead exemption, which if approved for a Florida resident, gives an annual 3% cap on the homestead property’s assessed value. (Mike Camunas)

This amendment places a limitation of 3%, or the percentage change of the Consumer Price Index (whichever is less), on any annual assessment increase on homesteaded properties in Florida.

Florida residents who are approved for a homestead exemption benefit from an annual 3% cap on the homesteaded property’s assessed value. 

“In order to protect against any future market-influenced increases, a new homeowner should file for a homestead exemption,” Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez said, in the release. “With so many people relocating to Hillsborough County in the past year, and many people choosing to buy a home here, we want to make sure our residents are aware of the homestead exemption and the tax savings available to them.”

To file for a homestead exemption in Hillsborough County, you will need to show proof of permanent residency with a Florida Driver License or identification card, vehicle registration, voter registration, or Permanent Resident Alien Card.

The homeowner must establish Hillsborough County as their legal domicile, reside on the subject property as of Jan. 1 and be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident.

If a trust holds the property, the trust’s beneficiary with the right to occupy the home also may be entitled a homestead exemption, the release said.

Apply online for a homestead and other exemptions by visiting the Hillsborough property appraiser’s website. You also can file for a homestead exemption in person at one of four Hillsborough property appraiser office locations.

Pasco County homeowners also are eligible for a homestead exemption on their primary residence, For information regarding filing for exemptions in Pasco County, visit PascoPa.com/exemptions/exemptions/homestead/.

Published February 15, 2023