What is Homestead Fraud?
Homestead fraud occurs when a person who has filed for homestead exemption or is currently receiving homestead exemption is determined not to be a permanent resident of Osceola County, or who is not in good faith residing on the property on which he or she filed. Florida Statute 196.131(2) provides that “any person who knowingly and willfully gives false information for the purpose of claiming homestead exemption is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable by a term of imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.” Florida law also states that if it is determined that you have had homestead exemption in the past to which you were not entitled, a lien is placed against your property for the amount of the exemption, plus 50% penalty, plus 15% interest per anum for each year during which the exemption was fraudulent. Statutes allow the lien to be placed retroactively for up to 10 years. The Osceola County Property Appraiser investigates homestead
