What is the Granny Flat Exemption?

Picture of happy family with grandparents, adult children, and children exemplifying benefits of Granny Flat Exemption

Florida Statute 193.703 contains the Assessment Reduction of New Construction for Parent(s) or Grandparent(s) Living Quarters, commonly known as the Granny Flat Exemption. Per the statute, qualified Florida homeowners who add living quarters for a parent or grandparent can have all or part of the value of this new construction deducted from the assessment, saving on property and real estate taxes. 

The value excluded cannot exceed:

  1. The increase in assessed value resulting from constructing or reconstructing the property for use as living quarters or 
  2. 20% of the total assessed value of the property as improved.

A homeowner’s potential savings from the Granny Flat Exemption cannot be reduced on a local level.

Who is Eligible for the Granny Flat Exemption?

  • The property must be homesteaded by the property owner
  • The construction or reconstruction must be properly permitted
  • The parent or grandparent must be 62 or older as of January 1st of the year which the reduction in assessed value is sought
  • The ‘Granny Flat’ must be the permanent residence of the parent or grandparent
  • The construction or reconstruction must have been completed after January 7, 2003

How do I apply for the Granny Flat Exemption?

Download and complete the application form from your county or property appraiser’s website. Be sure to attach all required supporting documents and provide the qualifying owner and parent or grandparent’s signature. Mail or file the application according to the provided instructions. All Granny Flat Applications are due by March 1st of the year in which the reduction in assessed value is sought. The Granny Flat Assessment Reduction will be automatically renewed annually. Homeowners must notify the Property Appraiser’s Office if they no longer meet the eligibility requirements.

EPGD Business Law is located in beautiful Coral Gables, West Palm Beach and historic Washington D.C. Call us at (786) 837-6787, or contact us through the website to schedule a consultation.

*Disclaimer: this blog post is not intended to be legal advice. We highly recommend speaking to an attorney if you have any legal concerns. Contacting us through our website does not establish an attorney-client relationship.*

Share this post

Eric Gros-Dubois

Eric P. Gros-Dubois founded EPGD Business Law in 2013 and is the current head of the firm’s corporate, estate planning, and tax practice, and manages the firm’s Washington D.C. office. With a JD and MBA, and a specialization in finance, Eric is able to step back and view the legal world through a commercial lens while also acting as a trusted business advisor for his clients. He does his best to be solutions oriented, and tries to think like a business owner, not just a lawyer.

Discussion

*The following comments are not intended to be treated as legal advice. The answer to your question is limited to the basic facts presented. Additional details may heavily alter our assessment and change the answer provided. For a more thorough review of your question please contact our office for a consultation.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories

Categories

Contact Us

"*" indicates required fields