Senior Veteran Widow Exemptions Florida

Use the free tool — Homestead Exemption FL

What these exemptions do

Florida's homestead exemption can lower your home's taxable value by up to $50,000 and cap how fast that value can rise each year. On top of the base homestead exemption, Florida offers extra exemptions for seniors, widows and widowers, people with disabilities, veterans, and first responders. Many people miss these extras.

Who may qualify

You may qualify for one or more of these extra exemptions if you:

Turned 65 (income limits apply — check your income when you answer the questions)
Became a widow or widower
Are a veteran
Have a disability
Work as a first responder

These extras are based on Florida Statutes chapters 193 and 196 and Florida Constitution Art. VII §§4 and 6. Trusts, LLC-owned homes, and non-citizen owners have special rules — confirm your situation with the county property appraiser.

How much it can save

The base homestead exemption can cut up to $50,000 off your taxable value, and the Save Our Homes cap limits how fast that value rises — together this can add up to hundreds of dollars a year and thousands over time. The material does not give exact dollar figures for the senior, widow/widower, veteran, disability, or first responder exemptions — the county property appraiser calculates your actual savings.

Moved within Florida? Portability

If you moved within Florida, you may be able to carry ("port") your Save Our Homes cap from your old home to your new one. This only happens if you apply. Portability uses Form DR-501T along with your homestead application, Form DR-501.

Deadline and how to apply

The deadline to apply is March 1. Since exemption amounts and county rules can change yearly, confirm the exact date and any local variations with your county property appraiser. You can apply online or in person with the county property appraiser using Form DR-501 (and Form DR-501T if you are porting a Save Our Homes cap).

What to do next

Answer a few questions about your move-in date, county, prior homestead, age, veteran/disability/widow status, and income if you are 65 or older. The free tool reads your own numbers and tells you whether you likely qualify, the rough savings math, portability if it applies, and the extra exemptions you may be missing — plus a document checklist for the property appraiser. This is not legal or tax advice; it cannot verify your residency or property values. Apply even if you're unsure — it's free. The county property appraiser makes the final decision.

Use the free tool

Homestead Exemption FL is an informational tool based on Florida Constitution Art. VII §§4 and 6 and Florida Statutes chapters 193 and 196 as of 2025–26. It is not legal or tax advice and does not file applications; exemption amounts, senior-income limits and county options change yearly. The county property appraiser is the authority. TRIM appeals are handled by Property Tax Appeal FL. It is not affiliated with any county or agency.