Family Homestead Exceptions
Zoning Administration
- Benny Beckham
- Administrator
- County Annex Building
- 1st Floor
- 10 SW 2nd Avenue
- Gainesville, Fl 32601
- Phone: 352-374-5243
- Fax: 352-491-4510
- Hours: 8:30-4:00 pm
- Map
- GM staff directory
- County staff directory
What is a Family Homestead Exception?
Florida Statute allows local governments to grant a Family Homestead Exception to property owners in the Rural/Agriculture area wishing to subdivide their piece of property into smaller lots than are typically allowed without it counting toward the density calculation for the property if it is for a member of their immediate family.
What are the application submittal requirements?
- Proof of legal lot of record.
- Proof of Rural/Ag land use.
- Proof of family relationship.
- Proof of ownership for at least five years.
- Affidavit stating 5 year residency commitment by family members.
What criteria must be met?
- Parent parcel must be at least 2 acres.
- Meets all other ULDC requirements.
- Buildable area must be outside any conservation areas.
See Chapter 402, Article 23 of the Land Development Code (ULDC) for more detailed requirements for Family Homestead Exceptions.
Family Homestead Exceptions
- Administrative Family Homestead Exception Application
- Family Homestead Exception Certificate
- Family Homestead Affidavit
Board of Adjustment (Variances)
Parent parcels for Family Homestead Exceptions must be at least 2 acres.
Who qualifies as an immediate family member?
A grandparent, parent, stepparent, adopted parent, sibling, child, stepchild, adopted child, or grandchild of the owner.
Who approves or denies the application?
Administrative approval
The application can be approved administratively by the Director of Growth Management or his designee
if the residual parcel, after the lot split, is greater than or equal to 5 acres and the residual parcel fronts a public road.
Board of Adjustment approval
If the residual parcel, after the lot split, is less than 5 acres then the Board of Adjustment must decide on the application.
If the residual parcel does not front a public road, then
you must also obtain a variance from the Board of Adjustment to the public road frontage requirement in accordance with Section 401.11(a) of the ULDC.
If the variance is approved, you can then resubmit your application for a Family Homestead Exception.
What does the application cost?
For administrative applications, the fee is $70. For applications heard by the Board of Adjustment, the fee is $650.
