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Florida Property Tax Exemptions for Seniors: Guide & How to Claim Them

Phil Ganz By Phil Ganz Ryan Skerritt Edited by Ryan Skerritt 6 Min Read May 05, 2024
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Are you aware that as a Florida senior, you could save up to $2,400 a year through $150,000 in three different property tax exemptions?

This guide is designed to provide you with comprehensive information on Florida property tax exemptions for seniors and the requirements you need to meet to take advantage of these savings.

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Next, we'll explain the eligibility criteria, how to claim the exemption, and who to contact.


Table of Contents



As a Florida senior, you need to be aware of three different property tax exemptions, each of which will save you up to $800 per year, totaling up to $2400 a year.

Let's start with the Standard Homestead Tax Exemption, which you should almost certainly qualify for:


A senior couple learning about financial relief provided by Property Tax Exemptions


Standard Homestead $50,000 Property Tax Exemption

Applying for the standard homestead property tax exemption is a prerequisite for getting the Florida Senior Property Tax Exemption.

For the Standard Homestead $50,000 Property Tax Exemption in Florida, eligibility is based solely on owning the property, using it as your permanent residence as of January 1st of the tax year, and being a permanent resident of Florida. There are no income thresholds or age requirements involved.

The Standard Homestead Property Tax Exemption in Florida typically saves homeowners about $800 annually by reducing the assessed value of their property up to $50,000 and limiting annual increases in assessed value.


How To Claim It

To apply for the standard homestead exemption in Florida, visit the property appraiser's website for the county where your property is located. Each county in Florida has a property appraiser's office that handles homestead exemptions.

For example: If you are in Miami-Dade County, you can apply for the homestead exemption through the Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser’s website at Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser.

For other counties, you can generally find the property appraiser's website by searching for "[Your County] Florida property appraiser" in a search engine. Each website will have specific instructions and forms for applying for the homestead exemption.

Note: we've included a list of links for every county in Florida at the bottom of this page.


Florida Statewide $50,000 Property Tax Exemption for Seniors

All seniors in Florida who meet certain income limitations may be eligible for an extra homestead exemption on property taxes.

Seniors aged 65 and older with a household income below $36,614 for Miami-Dade County (research the limit for your specific county) can receive an additional $50,000 exemption on their home’s assessed value, in addition to the standard $50,000 homestead exemption available to all homeowners.

For a senior homeowner in Miami-Dade County who qualifies for the $100,000 total homestead exemption ($50,000 standard plus an additional $50,000 for low-income seniors), the estimated yearly property tax savings would be approximately $1,600.

This savings is consistent for any home valued over $100,000, as the full benefit of the exemption applies equally once the property value exceeds the exemption amount.


How To Claim It

To claim the Florida Statewide $50,000 Property Tax Exemption for Seniors, ensure you're already receiving the Standard Homestead Exemption and meet the age and income criteria specific to your county, such as being 65 or older with a household income below $36,614 in Miami-Dade County.

Apply through your local county property appraiser's office by submitting necessary documents like proof of age, income, and residency; check whether you can apply online, by mail, or in person.

Note: we've included a list of links for every county in Florida at the bottom of this page.


County-Specific Property Tax Exemptions for Seniors

Additional property tax exemptions for seniors, veterans, disabled individuals, and other specific categories in Florida can be used on top of the Standard Homestead Exemption and the senior-specific exemption.

The total annual savings for a senior in Florida who qualifies for the Standard Homestead Exemption, the statewide senior exemption, and a country-specific exemption together can be up to $2,400 per year.


How To Claim It

To claim a county-specific property tax exemption for seniors in Florida, you should contact your local county property appraiser’s office to obtain the necessary application forms, determine the specific eligibility criteria, and submit the required documentation, such as proof of age, residency, and income, by the designated deadline.

Here are examples of county-specific property tax exemptions for seniors in Florida, which vary by county and can significantly reduce property taxes for eligible seniors:

Note: we've included a list of links for every county in Florida at the bottom of this page.


Miami-Dade County

Seniors aged 65 and older with a household income not exceeding $31,100 may qualify for an additional $50,000 exemption on their property’s assessed value on top of the standard homestead exemption. This is applicable if the county commission has adopted the additional exemption.


Broward County

Offers a Senior Exemption for persons 65 and older that adds an additional $25,000 exemption if the total household income does not exceed the statutory limit, which changes yearly with inflation.


Palm Beach County

Provides an additional exemption of up to $50,000 for seniors 65 and older whose household income falls below a specified limit that adjusts annually.


Pinellas County

Like other counties, Pinellas offers an extra $50,000 exemption for seniors 65 and older with limited incomes. The county must elect to provide this exemption.


Orange County

Orange County seniors who meet age and income requirements can receive an additional $50,000 exemption on the assessed value of their homestead.


FAQ's About Senior Property Tax Exemptions in Florida


What are the three types of property tax exemptions available to Florida seniors?

Florida seniors may qualify for the Standard Homestead Exemption, a Statewide $50,000 Property Tax Exemption for Seniors, and various County-Specific Property Tax Exemptions.

These exemptions are designed to reduce the property tax burden on senior homeowners by decreasing the taxable value of their residences.


How much can a Florida senior potentially save annually with these exemptions?

Eligible seniors can save up to $2,400 annually by combining these exemptions, which each offer significant reductions in property tax liability. The savings arise from reductions in the assessed value of their primary residences, lowering their overall tax bills.


Who is eligible for the Florida Statewide $50,000 Property Tax Exemption for Seniors?

Seniors aged 65 and older with a household income below a specific limit (e.g., $36,614 for Miami-Dade County) are eligible, with limits varying by county. These income thresholds are adjusted annually to reflect cost of living changes.


What is the Standard Homestead Exemption and who qualifies for it?

The Standard Homestead Exemption provides a $50,000 reduction in the assessed value of a primary residence for all Florida homeowners who use their property as their permanent residence as of January 1st of the tax year. This exemption is available to all homeowners regardless of age or income.


How does a senior in Florida apply for these property tax exemptions?

Seniors must apply through their local county property appraiser’s office, providing necessary documentation such as proof of age, residency, and income. Applications can typically be submitted online, by mail, or in person, depending on the county.


Can these exemptions be combined for greater savings?

Yes, these exemptions can be used in conjunction with each other, allowing seniors to stack savings from the Standard Homestead Exemption, the Statewide Senior Exemption, and any applicable county-specific exemptions. This combination can lead to significant reductions in property taxes due.


What is the deadline to apply for these exemptions?

The application deadline is typically March 1st of each year, but it's important to check with the local county appraiser's office as deadlines may vary by county.


What happens if a senior’s income exceeds the limit after receiving the exemption?

If a senior’s income exceeds the limit in subsequent years, they may lose eligibility for the income-dependent exemptions and would need to reapply if their income later falls below the threshold again.


Are there any exemptions specifically for veterans or disabled seniors?

Yes, there are additional exemptions for disabled veterans and other disabled individuals that can provide further tax relief. These exemptions are designed to help those with disabilities or who have served in the military to reduce their property tax obligations.


Where can seniors find more information about property tax exemptions in their specific Florida county?

Seniors can visit their county's property appraiser's website or contact the appraiser's office directly to get detailed information tailored to their local area. Each county may have unique guidelines and additional exemptions that could be beneficial.


These links provide direct access to each Florida county's property appraiser's office, where you can find specific information on property tax exemptions, eligibility criteria, application processes, and more.

With over 50 years of mortgage industry experience, we are here to help you achieve the American dream of owning a home. We strive to provide the best education before, during, and after you buy a home. Our advice is based on experience with Phil Ganz and Team closing over One billion dollars and helping countless families.

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Phil Ganz

About Author - Phil Ganz

Phil Ganz has over 20+ years of experience in the residential financing space. With over a billion dollars of funded loans, Phil helps homebuyers configure the perfect mortgage plan. Whether it's your first home, a complex multiple-property purchase, or anything in between, Phil has the experience to help you achieve your goals.

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Ryan Skerritt

About Editor - Ryan Skerritt

Ryan Skerritt has over 10+ years of experience in the residential financing space. With over two hundred and fifty million of funded loan volume, Ryan has the skill set to help any homebuyer configure the perfect mortgage plan.

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