At a glance
Who it's for
Florida homeowners 65+ who live in the home and have household income under the limit
Income limit (2026)
$38,686 adjusted household income
Extra exemption
Up to $50,000 off county and/or city taxes, where the local government has adopted it
Long-term resident
Possible full exemption from those taxes after 25 years in a home worth under $250,000
Deadline
Apply by March 1 with your county property appraiser; income proof due by June 1

For a lot of retired Floridians, the property tax bill that arrives in November is the single biggest check they write all year. When your parent is living on Social Security and a small pension, a few hundred dollars of savings matters.

Florida offers several property tax breaks for older homeowners. The two specific to seniors are tied to age and income, and they're easy to miss because they're optional for local governments and they require an application.

News: Amendment 3 passed on November 3, 2026 Florida voters approved Amendment 3 with about 62% of the vote. It raises the homestead exemption from non-school property taxes to $150,000 on the 2027 tax roll and $250,000 in 2028, then adjusts for inflation. The $25,000 exemption from school taxes continues. Several pieces depend on follow-up laws from the Legislature, so expect your county property appraiser to publish details before 2027 bills. The senior exemption described below is a separate provision.

The exemptions that can apply to your parent

1. The regular homestead exemption. Any Florida homeowner who lives in the home as a permanent residence can get it. Today it's up to $50,000 off the assessed value (the second $25,000 doesn't apply to school taxes). It also triggers the Save Our Homes cap, which limits how much the assessed value can rise each year, to 3% or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower. If your parent has lived in the home a long time, Save Our Homes is often already saving them a lot.

2. The additional senior exemption, up to $50,000. For homeowners 65 or older whose household income is under the limit. For 2026, the limit is $38,686 in adjusted household income. It applies only to taxes levied by a county or city that has adopted it by local ordinance, so whether and how much it helps depends on where your parent lives.

3. The long-term resident senior exemption. For homeowners 65+ under the same income limit who have lived in the home for at least 25 years, and whose home had a just value under $250,000 when they first qualified. Where a county or city has adopted it, it can exempt the entire assessed value from that local government's taxes.

There are also separate exemptions for widows and widowers, disabled veterans and people with certain disabilities. Ask the property appraiser about every one your parent could qualify for.

How the income limit works

The limit counts the adjusted gross income of everyone living in the home, plus some income that isn't taxed, such as Social Security. The number changes every January to match inflation. For a parent living alone on Social Security and a modest pension, it's often within reach. If an adult child moves in and works, the household income may go over.

How to apply

  1. Find your parent's county property appraiser. Each of Florida's 67 counties has one, and most take applications online, by mail and in person.
  2. Apply by March 1. The exemption is based on who owned and lived in the home on January 1. The application deadline is March 1 of that tax year.
  3. Submit the income statement. Your parent signs a sworn statement of household income, usually on the state's form. Income documents are typically due by June 1.
  4. Watch for renewals. Many counties send a renewal card each January. For the senior exemption, some require the income statement every year.

What the property appraiser usually asks for

  • Proof of age: driver license, Florida ID, birth certificate or passport
  • Last year's federal tax return (Form 1040), if your parent filed one
  • If your parent didn't have to file, IRS Form 4506-T and proof of income such as the Social Security benefit statement and pension summaries
  • The property's parcel number or the most recent tax bill
  • Your power of attorney, if you're applying for your parent

The deed and old tax bills are the documents families most often can't find after a parent dies. Scan them now into a DokuDocs vault along with each year's exemption approval.

Missed March 1?

If the deadline passed, ask the property appraiser about a late application. Florida allows a late filing with the county value adjustment board under certain circumstances, with a short window after the TRIM notice in August. It's worth asking, because the savings repeat every year.

Things families run into

Why the deed matters later When a parent dies, the family needs the deed, recent tax bills and the trust (if any) to transfer the home, often within weeks. DokuDocs keeps those records encrypted and in one place, and can notify the people your parent names when the time comes.

Questions families ask

Does my parent have to reapply every year?

The regular homestead exemption usually renews automatically. For the senior income-based exemption, many counties require an annual income statement or confirmation. Check the renewal card or notice your parent's property appraiser sends in January.

Does Amendment 3 replace the senior exemption?

Amendment 3, approved by voters on November 3, 2026, raises the general homestead exemption from non-school property taxes starting in 2027. It doesn't, on its face, repeal the senior exemption, but the Legislature still has to pass implementing laws. Watch for your county property appraiser's guidance before the 2027 tax year.

What counts as household income?

Adjusted gross income, as reported on federal tax returns, for everyone living in the home. It also includes some income that isn't taxable, such as Social Security benefits. Your property appraiser's form explains what to include.

Can I apply for my parent?

Usually yes, if you have authority to act for them, such as a durable power of attorney. Call the property appraiser's office first to ask what they'll accept.

This guide explains public programs in plain language. It is not legal, medical or financial advice. Program rules, dollar amounts and phone numbers change, so confirm details with the agency before you apply. DokuDocs is not affiliated with any government agency.