The Florida homestead property tax exemption is a widely used method to lower property tax bills. While it is not exclusive to the elderly or disabled, it is still worth highlighting due to its significance. Other potential discounts are available to Floridians who have this initial homestead exemption.
If you own your primary residence valued at $75,000.00 or more, you are eligible for a homestead exemption of $50,000.00 for the year if you were residing in the property as of January 1st of that year.
To apply, you will need a Florida Drivers License or State ID reflecting the property address. Your county’s property tax appraiser may also require proof of relinquishing another state’s drivers license, Florida voter registration ID, Declaration of Domicile and Residency, address on your last IRS tax return, proof of utility payments at the homestead address, or other residency proof.
For those moving from one Florida homestead to another, consider utilizing Save Our Homes / Portability to minimize assessed value increases. Seniors aged 65 and above may qualify for an additional homestead exemption of $25,000.00 – $50,000.00, provided they meet certain criteria after qualifying for the initial homestead exemption.
Please note that not all Florida counties offer this additional exemption, as it is a county-specific decision. Contact your county’s property appraiser office to inquire about availability.
The income limit for the Senior Citizen Additional Homestead Exemption is $31,100.00 as of 2021. This amount is subject to change annually based on the average cost of living index. To find out the current income limit for the year you are inquiring about, please contact the property appraiser’s office. In order to apply for this exemption, you will need to provide information on all household members and their adjusted gross income. Proof of low income must be provided each year, as the exemption must be reapplied for annually. Additionally, there are other property tax benefits available for the elderly or disabled, such as the Homestead Assessment Reduction for Building Living Quarters for Parents or Grandparents and the Homestead Exemption for Widows and Widowers.
Building Living Quarters for Parents or Grandparents and Reducing Homestead Assessment
If you own a homestead and decide to construct an authorized addition or carry out extensive renovations to accommodate living quarters for your parent or grandparent, you have the opportunity to apply for a special exemption. This exemption will be equivalent to the cost of the new construction, capped at 20% of the homestead’s value. To initiate the process, you must submit the necessary permits, certificate of occupancy, and plans to the county property appraiser’s office. Additionally, you will need to include Form DR-501PGP, which can be accessed through the provided link.
It is important to note that the parent or grandparent moving into the newly constructed living quarters must be at least 62 years old.
Homestead Exemption for Widows and Widowers
For individuals who are widows or widowers, an additional $500.00 can be exempted from the taxable value of their homestead. However, it is crucial to understand that this exemption cannot overlap with the $500.00 exemption granted to those who are blind or totally disabled, as discussed below.
Homestead Exemption for Quadriplegic Persons
If a quadriplegic person owns homesteaded real estate, they will be exempt from all ad-valorem taxation, which pertains to taxes based on the value of the property. However, they will still be responsible for paying local non ad-valorem taxes, such as those allocated for solid waste collection or stormwater management.
Homestead Exemption for Paraplegic, Hemiplegic, or other Totally and Permanently Disabled Person
Individuals who are paraplegic, hemiplegic, or totally and permanently disabled (excluding quadriplegics) may also qualify for exemption from all ad-valorem taxation, provided they meet the adjusted gross income limitations.
To apply for this additional homestead exemption, it is necessary to obtain a certificate of total disability from two Florida-licensed doctors. This can be done by utilizing Form DR-416, which can be found in the resources section below.
Homestead Exemption for Blind or Totally Disabled Person
People who are legally blind or totally and permanently disabled have the opportunity to exempt an additional $500.00 from the taxable value of their homestead. Unlike other exemptions, there is no income verification or limitation required. However, individuals must provide proof of their disability or blindness through a physician statement. This can be done using either Form DR-416