Florida Senior Property Tax Exemption Guide (2026)
Last Updated: April 2026
Florida seniors benefit from a layered system: the standard homestead exemption, the Save Our Homes assessment cap, portability, and an additional income-limited senior exemption available in many counties.
Florida Senior Property Tax Programs
| Program | Benefit | Age / Income Limit | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homestead Exemption | Up to $50,000 off assessed value | Homeowner, primary residence | March 1 |
| Save Our Homes Cap | 3% annual assessment increase cap | Homesteaded properties | Automatic |
| Senior Additional Exemption | Up to $50,000 additional (county option) | 65+, income <$36,614 | March 1 |
| Portability | Transfer up to $500,000 SOH benefit | Previous FL homestead | Within 3 years |
Florida Homestead Exemption
Florida's standard homestead exemption provides $25,000 off your home's assessed value for all taxing authorities. An additional $25,000 exemption applies to assessed values between $50,000 and $75,000, but only for non-school taxes. The combined effect can reduce your taxable value by up to $50,000.
You must apply by March 1 of the first year you want the exemption. After that, it renews automatically each year as long as you remain in the home. Apply online or in person at your County Property Appraiser's office using Form DR-501.
Save Our Homes: Protection Against Rising Values
Save Our Homes caps annual increases in your homesteaded property's assessed value at 3% or the Consumer Price Index (whichever is lower). This protection compounds over time. A senior who has been in their Florida home for 20 years may have an assessed value that is 40–60% below current market value — and their tax bill reflects that lower assessed value.
When you buy a new home in Florida, you lose your accumulated Save Our Homes benefit on the old property — unless you apply for Portability (Form DR-501T) within 3 years to transfer up to $500,000 of that benefit to your new homestead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Florida homestead exemption?
Florida's homestead exemption removes $25,000 from the assessed value of your home for all taxes, and an additional $25,000 for non-school taxes. Together they can reduce your taxable value by up to $50,000. You must apply by March 1 of the tax year, and the exemption renews automatically as long as you continue to own and occupy the property.
What is Save Our Homes?
Save Our Homes (Amendment 10, 1992) caps annual increases in assessed value at 3% or the rate of inflation (whichever is lower) for homesteaded properties. For seniors who have lived in their Florida homes for many years, this means their taxable value is often far below current market value.
Who qualifies for the additional senior exemption?
Florida counties and municipalities may offer an additional homestead exemption of up to $50,000 for seniors 65 or older with total household income under $36,614 (2026 limit, adjusted annually). Not all counties offer this — check with your County Property Appraiser. File Form DR-501 by March 1.
Can I transfer my Save Our Homes benefit to a new Florida home?
Yes. Florida's Portability provision (Amendment 1, 2008) allows you to transfer up to $500,000 of your accumulated Save Our Homes benefit to a new Florida homestead. This must be applied for within 3 years of leaving your previous homestead. It does not transfer out of state.