Who Qualifies for Property Tax Benefits in Florida?

In Florida, several groups of people qualify for property tax benefits, which can significantly reduce their property tax burden. Here are the key categories and the specific benefits available:

1. Homestead Exemption

  • Who Qualifies:

    • Permanent Florida residents who own and occupy their property as their primary residence.

  • Benefits:

    • The Homestead Exemption offers a standard exemption of up to $50,000 on the assessed value of the home. The first $25,000 applies to all property taxes, including school district taxes, and an additional $25,000 applies to the assessed value between $50,000 and $75,000 (excluding school district taxes).

    • Save Our Homes (SOH) Cap: Limits the annual increase in the assessed value of a homesteaded property to 3% or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower. This cap helps prevent drastic increases in property taxes as market values rise.

2. Seniors (65 and Older)

  • Who Qualifies:

    • Homeowners who are 65 years or older as of January 1st of the tax year.

    • Household income must meet specific thresholds (adjusted annually; approximately $35,167 in 2024).

  • Benefits:

    • Additional homestead exemptions of up to $50,000 may be available in certain counties and municipalities. Some areas may offer a full exemption for seniors who meet specific criteria.

    • Long-term residents (25 years or more) may qualify for a 100% exemption on homes valued under a certain amount, depending on local regulations.

3. Veterans and Active Duty Military

  • Who Qualifies:

    • Disabled Veterans: Veterans with a service-connected disability or surviving spouses.

    • Combat-Wounded Veterans: Veterans aged 65 and older who were honorably discharged and have a combat-related disability.

    • Active Duty Military: Military personnel deployed outside the U.S. in the previous year.

  • Benefits:

    • 100% Exemption for Total and Permanent Disability: Veterans with a total and permanent service-connected disability receive a full property tax exemption.

    • Discount for Veterans Aged 65 and Older: A percentage discount on property taxes based on the percentage of disability.

    • Deployed Military Exemption: An additional exemption based on the number of days the property owner was deployed during the previous calendar year.

4. Surviving Spouses

  • Who Qualifies:

    • Surviving spouses of veterans who died from service-connected causes while on active duty.

    • Surviving spouses of first responders (police, firefighters, etc.) who died in the line of duty.

  • Benefits:

    • Full Property Tax Exemption: Surviving spouses of veterans or first responders who died in the line of duty may qualify for a full exemption on their homestead property.

5. Persons with Disabilities

  • Who Qualifies:

    • Blind Persons: Legally blind individuals.

    • Totally and Permanently Disabled Persons: Individuals with total and permanent disabilities, including quadriplegics and paraplegics.

    • Wheelchair-Dependent Individuals: Those who are permanently confined to a wheelchair.

  • Benefits:

    • Exemption of $500 for legally blind persons or those with a total and permanent disability.

    • 100% Exemption for Quadriplegics and Certain Disabled Individuals: Quadriplegics, paraplegics, and those who are legally blind and meet certain income criteria may qualify for a full exemption.

6. First Responders

  • Who Qualifies:

    • First responders who are totally and permanently disabled due to injuries sustained in the line of duty.

    • Surviving spouses of first responders killed in the line of duty.

  • Benefits:

    • 100% Exemption: For first responders who are totally and permanently disabled, as well as their surviving spouses.

7. Widows and Widowers

  • Who Qualifies:

    • Surviving spouses of deceased individuals who have not remarried.

  • Benefits:

    • A $500 Exemption from the assessed value of their property.

8. Low-Income Housing Providers

  • Who Qualifies:

    • Property owners who provide affordable housing to low-income individuals or families, particularly through the state or federal housing programs.

  • Benefits:

    • May qualify for property tax exemptions or reductions if the property is used exclusively for affordable housing purposes.

9. Agricultural Property Owners

  • Who Qualifies:

    • Owners of land actively used for agricultural purposes.

  • Benefits:

    • Agricultural Classification: Results in a lower assessed value based on the land's agricultural use rather than its market value, significantly reducing property taxes.

10. Historic Property Owners

  • Who Qualifies:

    • Owners of historically designated properties used for commercial or nonprofit purposes.

  • Benefits:

    • May qualify for property tax exemptions or reductions to encourage the preservation of historic properties.

How to Apply for Property Tax Benefits in Florida:

  • Deadline: Applications for most exemptions must be filed with the local county property appraiser's office by March 1st of each year.

  • Documentation: Applicants may need to provide documentation proving eligibility, such as proof of age, income, disability, veteran status, or proof of primary residence.

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