There are two ways that seniors in Florida may get an additional exemption from property taxes or even be completely exempt from property taxes. Here’s how they work.
The Long-Term Resident Senior Exemption allows certain low-income seniors to be completely exempt from most property taxes.
This exemption is authorized by state law but requires each city or county to adopt it. So you have to check with your local taxing district to see if it’s available where you live.
The benefit exempts city and county taxes. It does not exempt school district taxes.
If your local government offers the Long-Term Resident Senior Exemption, you must meet these requirements.
Senior Homestead Exemptions Income Limitation
The income is based on your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) as reported on your federal tax return. If you file separately or aren’t married to a household member, each person’s Adjusted Gross Income will be added together.
If you don’t file a tax return, you can provide other documentation such as a Social Security Statement. Your local tax collector’s application for the exemption will list the required documentation.
See this Florida Department of Revenue guide for more information.
To apply for the exemption, visit your local tax collector or property appraiser’s office. Many offices also allow you to apply online or by mail.
Unlike the Save Our Homes benefit, the long-term resident exemption doesn’t transfer to a new homestead property. You may be eligible for the additional homestead exemption described below.
If you don’t qualify for the long-term residence exemption, you may be eligible for the Senior Homestead Exemption. Like the long-term residence exemption, it is a local option that must be passed by your county or city.
The Senior Exemption provides for an additional exemption benefit of up to $50,000 on top of the usual Homestead Exemption. Some places have a lower additional exemption for senior citizens.
In order to qualify for the Senior Exemption, you must meet the following requirements:
The additional exemption applies to city and county taxes as per the local ordinance. The exemption does not apply to school district taxes.
To apply, you must visit your local tax collector or property tax appraiser’s office. They may also have online forms you can use.
The senior property tax exemptions are a separate application from the standard Homestead property tax exemption. You don’t automatically receive the senior exemptions if you have a Homestead exemption.
You have to apply to show you’re eligible for the additional benefits.
If your eligibility for one or both of the exemptions for low-income seniors changes, you have to reapply for the exemption you do qualify for.
This includes if you:
Contact your county collector for the forms you need.
Deadlines vary by location but are typically March 1st for the property tax bill that will be sent in the following fall.
Many counties have a process for late applications if you missed the original deadline. Even if you missed the deadline, call or visit your local office to see if you have any options.
Senior citizens may also be eligible for the following property tax benefits.
There is no general law preventing a property tax foreclosure on a senior citizen. Even if you receive one of the senior citizen exemptions, you still have to pay the taxes due as well as any back taxes you may owe.
If you have unpaid property taxes, a tax certificate may be sold on your home, and you may be foreclosed on after two years.
Check with your local government as well as non-profit organizations to see if there are any assistance programs you may be eligible for.
Your local property appraiser is a good source of information about the basic requirements and what you need to do to apply.
If you believe you were wrongfully denied a benefit, your income was miscalculated, or the assessed value of your home is incorrect, you may want to talk to a property tax accountant or lawyer.