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.
Long-Term Resident Senior Exemption
The Long-Term Resident Senior Exemption allows certain low-income seniors to be completely exempt from most property taxes.
Where is the Long-Term Resident Senior Exemption available?
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.
What taxes does the exemption apply to?
The benefit exempts city and county taxes. It does not exempt school district taxes.
Who qualifies for the exemption?
If your local government offers the Long-Term Resident Senior Exemption, you must meet these requirements.
- Your property must qualify for the standard Homestead Exemption
- At least one homeowner must be 65 years of age or older as of January 1st
- You must have lived in the same home for at least 25 years
- The market value of the property must be under $250,000
- Your total household income (not per person income) can’t exceed the amounts below
Senior Homestead Exemptions Income Limitation
- 2022: $32,561
- 2021: $31,100
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.
How do you apply for the Senior Long-Term Residence Exemption?
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.
What happens if you move?
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.
Senior Homestead Exemption
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.
How much is the Senior Homestead Exemption?
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.
Who qualifies for the Senior Exemption?
In order to qualify for the Senior Exemption, you must meet the following requirements:
- Your property must qualify for the standard Homestead Exemption as a permanent primary residence
- At least one homeowner must be 65 years of age or older as of January 1st
- The total household income limitation is the same as for the Long-Term Residence Exemption described above
What taxes does the Senior Property Tax Exemption apply to?
The additional exemption applies to city and county taxes as per the local ordinance. The exemption does not apply to school district taxes.
How do you apply for the Senior Exemption?
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.
What happens if your eligibility for one of the exemptions changes?
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:
- Have changes in your income
- Have changes in your home’s value
- Hadn’t met the 25-year residency requirement for the long-term residence exemption and now do
- Sold your long-term residence but still qualify for the $50,000 exemption
Contact your county collector for the forms you need.
When do you need to apply for property tax exemptions?
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.
What other property tax benefits could senior citizens be eligible for?
Senior citizens may also be eligible for the following property tax benefits.
- Grany flat exemption (covering a homeowner’s renovations to provide living quarters for a parent or grandparent)
- Widow and widower exemption ($500)
- Exemption for the blind or totally disabled ($500)
- Exemptions for quadriplegic, paraplegic, hemiplegic, or other totally and permanently disabled persons
- Exemptions for veterans
- Exemptions for the surviving spouse of a first-responder killed or totally disabled in the line of duty
What can a senior citizen who can’t pay his or her tax bills do?
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.
Where can you get help with property tax issues?
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.
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