Florida Property Tax Exemptions and Discounts
Sunshine State homeowners can save up to $50,000 in property taxes with Florida’s homestead exemption.
Excellent
)
)
Written byAly J. Yale
)
National Association of Real Estate Editors member
Bylines include Forbes, Bankrate, and CBS News
Aly is a reporter specializing in real estate, mortgages, and personal finance. You can find her work in Hearst newspapers and numerous financial publications.
Featured in
){kind=logo}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
Edited byEvelyn Pimplaskar
)
10+ years in insurance and personal finance content
30+ years in media, PR, and content creation
Evelyn leads Insurify’s content team. She’s passionate about creating empowering content to help people transform their financial lives and make sound insurance-buying decisions.
Featured in
){kind=logo}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
Updated
Why you can trust Insurify: Comparing accurate insurance quotes should never put you at risk of spam. We earn an agent commission only if you buy a policy based on our quotes. Our editorial team follows a rigorous set of editorial standards and operates independently from our insurance partners. Learn more.
Advertiser Disclosure
At Insurify, our goal is to help customers compare insurance products and find the best policy for them. We strive to provide open, honest, and unbiased information about the insurance products and services we review. Our hard-working team of data analysts, insurance experts, insurance agents, editors and writers, has put in thousands of hours of research to create the content found on our site.
We do receive compensation when a sale or referral occurs from many of the insurance providers and marketing partners on our site. That may impact which products we display and where they appear on our site. But it does not influence our meticulously researched editorial content, what we write about, or any reviews or recommendations we may make. We do not guarantee favorable reviews or any coverage at all in exchange for compensation.
Table of contents
The average annual cost of property taxes in Florida is $4,861, according to an Insurify analysis of hidden homeownership costs. Property tax exemptions can help lower your tax bill by reducing the taxable value of your home — sometimes by tens of thousands of dollars.
Florida offers multiple tax exemptions that can save homeowners money. A 2024 law also changed the value of Florida’s popular homestead exemption, requiring it to adjust for inflation every year.[1]
To get an exemption on your real estate taxes, you’ll have to apply with your county’s property tax appraiser by March 1 each year.[2] You’ll need to show proof of permanent residency in Florida to qualify for the exemption.
Here are the Florida property tax exemptions you should have on your radar.
Common Florida property tax exemptions
Florida property tax exemptions include the homestead exemption, which anyone can use for their permanent residence. The state also outlines exemptions for seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and more, with each exemption requiring its own unique application.
This guide can help you learn more about each possible exemption, who qualifies for them, and how much they’re worth.
Compare Home Insurance Quotes – Fast
Monthly premiums average $749 in Florida for a $500,000 home
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 7,669+ reviews
4.8/5
Homestead exemption
Potential tax savings: $50,000
Florida’s homestead exemption can apply to any permanent home in the state. It allows you to reduce the property’s taxable value by up to $50,000 total — $25,000 on all property taxes and an additional $25,000 on everything but school tax.[3]
Other exemptions below are additional exemptions on top of the homestead exemption.
To qualify for a homestead exemption:
You must be the property owner.
It must be your permanent residence or the permanent residence of someone you claim as a dependent.
You (or your dependent) must have lived at the residence as of Jan. 1 of the current tax year.
You can’t have rented the property for more than 30 days in the given calendar year.
If you do qualify for a homestead exemption, you could deduct up to $50,000 from the assessed value of your home, saving you money. You could also limit your tax implications in the future and even safeguard your home against being forcibly sold to pay outstanding debts.
Senior exemption
Potential tax savings: $50,000
Florida also has an additional homestead exemption for seniors, though these vary by county and city. It allows you to reduce your property’s taxable value by up to $50,000. To qualify, you must be 65 or older, a permanent Florida resident, and have a gross household income of $37,694 or less in 2025.
Counties can offer additional senior exemptions for people who have real estate worth $250,000 or less and who have owned their homes for at least 25 years.[4]
Permanent disability exemption
Potential tax savings: Up to 100% of your property tax bill
Florida has multiple property tax exemptions for people with total and permanent disabilities, including quadriplegia, paraplegia, hemiplegia, and legal blindness.
The amount of this exemption varies from $5,000 to a full exemption on all ad-valorem taxes, depending on the disability, the property owner’s income, and whether they use a wheelchair.[5]
Good to Know
Ad-valorem taxes are property taxes that are based on the assessed value of your home. The assessed value, set by county tax assessors, is typically the amount that you could likely sell your home for.
Active-duty military homestead exemption
Potential tax savings: Up to $50,000
Typically, to get a homestead exemption, you have to live in your home full time and use it as your primary residence. But active-duty military members who deploy overseas often spend months away from home. Florida allows servicepeople to retain their homestead property exemption even if they rent out their home while they’re deployed.
Veteran exemptions
Potential tax savings: $5,000 to 100% of your tax bill
An honorably discharged veteran may also get a property tax exemption in Florida if they’re disabled to a degree of 10% or more due to their time in the service, have a total and permanent service-connected disability, or use a wheelchair. The exemption ranges from $5,000 to a total exemption. The surviving spouse of a veteran may also be eligible.[6]
Surviving spouses of first responders exemption
Potential tax savings: 100% of your property taxes
A surviving spouse of a first responder who dies in the line of duty can also qualify for a full property tax exemption. The first responder and their surviving spouse must have been Florida permanent residents on Jan. 1 in the year of the first responder’s death.
Widow/widower exemption
Potential tax savings: Up to $5,000
Widows and widowers are eligible for a $5,000 property tax exemption. This requires a death certificate for the deceased spouse. You also must be widowed prior to Jan. 1 of the tax year you’re paying property taxes for.
Agricultural/historic property exemptions
Potential tax savings: Varies
Florida tax law also has exemptions for agricultural and historic properties.
Florida’s Greenbelt Law allows for agricultural land to be zoned as agricultural and assessed at use value instead of at market value. Assessing land this way typically lowers the taxable value of a property.
The Greenbelt Law can also protect agricultural property from rising tax rates due to development around the agricultural land. The land must be assessed as agricultural to qualify for the exemption, and this qualification must be renewed annually.
Historic properties can attain up to a 100% property tax exemption for the increase in assessed improvements. This assessment can last for up to 10 years, but the exemption only applies to the portion of the tax obligation levied by the governing body granting the exemption.
How Florida’s Amendment 5 affects property tax exemptions
In the November 2024 general election, Florida voters approved a change to the state’s homestead exemption and how it works. Starting with the 2025 tax year, county tax assessors will have to adjust the value of the additional homestead tax exemption based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Essentially, your homestead exemption gets calculated in two parts. Under the exemption rules, the first $25,000 of exemption applies to all your property taxes, including school district taxes. The additional exemption of $25,000 applies to the portion of your assessed value over $50,000, and only to non-school taxes.
Amendment 5 ties that additional exemption to the CPI. If the CPI change is positive as of Jan. 1 of the tax year, some taxpayers’ additional exemption amounts could exceed $50,000.[3]
Property tax discounts available in Florida
In addition to exemptions, Florida also has a number of property tax discounts that can reduce your property tax burden even more. These include discounts for certain disabled veterans, deployed military service members, and all homeowners. Here are some property tax discounts you may be able to take advantage of.
Disabled veterans discount
Military veterans 65 and older with an honorable discharge and a partial or total, permanent service-connected disability can qualify for a discount on their property taxes. The exact amount is equal to the percentage of the veteran’s official disability rating that the United States Department of Veterans Affairs determines. For example, a 20% disability equals a 20% property tax discount.
Military deployment discount
Active-duty military service members can also qualify for additional property tax discounts for the tax year they were on deployment. The discount is equal to the percentage of the year the military member was officially on deployment. A deployment length of 25% of the year would equal a 25% reduction in the property’s taxable value.
Save Our Homes limitation
This one isn’t exactly a discount, but it could save you money on property taxes. Under the Save Our Homes limitation, a property’s assessed value can’t increase more than 3% annually. That means if your assessed property value was $300,000 last year, it can’t increase by more than $9,000 this year.[7]
Compare Home Insurance Rates
Get personalized quotes for home insurance coverage from top companies
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 7,669+ reviews
4.8/5
Other important Florida property tax information
According to Florida statutes, the appraiser must reassess a property’s value after a sale. Tax appraisers re-value properties based on current market conditions without any tax exemptions. For first-time homeowners, this often results in a significant jump in taxes compared to previous owners.[8]
Florida residents can protest the assessed value of their primary residence if they disagree with the appraiser’s assessment. Homeowners can discuss the assessment with the appraiser’s office, file a petition through their local value adjustment board, or even file a lawsuit to challenge the decision.
This might include gathering comparable sales data or hiring a new property appraiser to assess the home’s value again.[9]
Finally, understand that property taxes are assessed on the local level, so your county or city may offer additional exemption programs in addition to those mentioned above. Check with your local appraisal district for more information.
How to apply for tax exemptions and discounts
Once you’ve made sure you qualify for a tax exemption or discount in Florida, you can:
Complete any necessary application. Make sure you’ve assembled the necessary documents, such as your driver’s license and applicable property information.
Submit your application to your county tax appraiser’s office by March 1 of the current tax year.
Appeal if you’re denied. You can collect an appeal form at the county appraiser’s or county clerk’s office.
You should also remember not to do anything that will hinder your application while it’s being reviewed. For example, exemptions require you to be a Florida resident, and your application will be denied if you get a driver’s license in another state.
Here are the property appraiser’s offices in every Florida county.
County  | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Alachua | 1 (352) 374-5230 | www.acpafl.org |
| Baker | 1 (904) 259-3191 | www.bakerpa.com |
| Bay | 1 (850) 248-8401 | baypa.net |
| Bradford | 1 (904) 966-6216 | www.bradfordappraiser.com |
| Brevard | 1 (321) 264-6700 | www.bcpao.us |
| Broward | 1 (954) 357-5579 | bcpa.net |
| Calhoun | 1 (850) 674-5636 | calhounpa.net |
| Charlotte | 1 (941) 743-1498 | www.ccappraiser.com |
| Citrus | 1 (352) 341-6600 | www.citruspa.org/_dnn |
| Clay | 1 (904) 284-6305 | www.ccpao.com |
| Collier | 1 (239) 252-8141 | www.collierappraiser.com |
| Columbia | 1 (386) 758-1083 | columbia.floridapa.com |
| DeSoto | 1 (863) 993-4866 | www.desotopa.com |
| Dixie | 1 (352) 498-1212 | www.qpublic.net/fl/dixie/ |
| Duval | 1 (904) 255-5900 | www.jacksonville.gov/departments/property-appraiser.aspx |
| Escambia | 1 (850)434-2735 | www.escpa.org |
| Flagler | 1 (386) 313-4150 | flaglerpa.com |
| Franklin | 1 (850) 653-9236 | franklincountypa.net |
| Gadsden | 1 (850) 627-7168 | gadsdenpa.com |
| Gilchrist | 1 (352) 463-3190 | www.qpublic.net/fl/gilchrist |
| Glades | 1 (863) 946-6025 | qpublic.net/fl/glades/ |
| Gulf | 1 (850) 229-6115 | gulfpa.com |
| Hamilton | 1 (386) 792-2791 | hamiltonpa.com |
| Hardee | 1 (863) 773-2196 | hardeepa.com |
| Hendry | 1 (863) 675-5270 | hendryprop.com |
| Hernando | 1 (352) 754-4190 | hernandocountypa-florida.us |
| Highlands | 1 (863) 402-6659 | www.hcpao.org |
| Hillsborough | 1 (813) 272-6100 | www.hcpafl.org |
| Holmes | 1 (850) 547-1113 | www.qpublic.net/fl/holmes |
| Indian River | 1 (772) 226-1469 | www.ircpa.org |
| Jackson | 1 (850)482-9646 | jacksonpa.com |
| Jefferson | 1 (850) 997-3356 | jeffersonpa.net |
| Lafayette | 1 (386) 294-1991 | www.lafayettepa.com |
| Lake | 1 (352) 253-2150 | www.lakecopropappr.com |
| Lee | 1 (239) 533-6100 | www.leepa.org |
| Leon | 1 (850) 606-6200 | www.leonpa.gov |
| Levy | 1 (352) 486-5222 | www.qpublic.net/fl/levy |
| Liberty | 1 (850) 643-2279 | libertypa.org |
| Madison | 1 (850) 973-6133 | madisonpa.com |
| Manatee | 1 (941) 748-8208 | www.manateepao.gov |
| Marion | 1 (352) 368-8300 | www.pa.marion.fl.us |
| Martin | 1 (772) 288-5608 | www.pa.martin.fl.us |
| Miami-Dade | 1 (305) 375-4712 | www.miamidadepa.gov/pa/home.page |
| Monroe | 1 (305) 292-3420 | www.mcpafl.org |
| Nassau | 1 (904) 491-7300 | ncpafl.com |
| Okaloosa | 1 (850) 651-7240 | www.okaloosapa.com |
| Okeechobee | 1 (863) 763-4422 | www.okeechobeepa.com |
| Orange | 1 (407) 836-5205 | ocpaweb.ocpafl.org/dashboard |
| Osceola | 1 (407) 742-5000 | www.property-appraiser.org |
| Palm Beach | 1 (561) 355-2866 | pbcpao.gov/index.htm |
| Pasco | 1 (352) 521-4433 | pascopa.com |
| Pinellas | 1 (727) 464-3207 | www.pcpao.gov |
| Polk | 1 (863) 534-4777 | www.polkflpa.gov |
| Putnam | 1 (386) 329-0286 | pa.putnam-fl.com |
| Santa Rosa | 1 (850) 983-1880 | srcpa.gov |
| Sarasota | 1 (941) 861-8200 | www.sc-pa.com |
| Seminole | 1 (407) 665-7506 | www.scpafl.org |
| St. Johns | 1 (904) 827-5500 | www.sjcpa.gov |
| St. Lucie | 1 (772) 462-1000 | www.paslc.gov |
| Sumter | 1 (352) 569-6800 | www.sumterpa.com |
| Suwannee | 1 (386) 362-1385 | www.suwanneepa.com |
| Taylor | 1 (850) 838-3511 | qpublic.net/fl/taylor/ |
| Union | 1 (386) 496-3431 | union.floridapa.com |
| Volusia | 1 (386) 736-5901 | vcpa.vcgov.org |
| Wakulla | 1 (850) 926-0500 | mywakullapa.com |
| Walton | 1 (850) 892-812 | waltonpa.com |
| Washington | 1 (850) 638-6205 | www.qpublic.net/fl/washington/ |
Florida property tax exemptions and discounts FAQs
If you still have questions about Florida property tax exemptions, see these answers to frequently asked questions from Florida taxpayers for help.
What is the Florida homestead exemption?
The Florida homestead exemption is a type of tax break that helps Florida homeowners save on their property taxes. Through it, you can lower your property’s taxable value by up to $50,000 (or more), thereby reducing your tax bill.
You’ll have to meet certain requirements to qualify for the exemption. For example, the home you’re seeking an exemption for typically must be your primary residence.
Can your homestead exemption be transferred?
No. You can’t transfer a previous homestead exemption from one house to another. But you can file for a new homestead exemption on the property. You may also be able to transfer the Save Our Homes benefit from one home to another.
How is property tax calculated in Florida?
Florida property taxes are calculated by multiplying millage rates — tax rates that local authorities, school districts, and other entities establish — by the total assessed value of your property. Exemptions can lower the taxable value and, subsequently, the total taxes a property owner pays.
Does Florida have high property taxes?
Yes. Overall, Florida has comparatively high property taxes, according to a study by the Tax Foundation. But property taxes can vary significantly among counties and municipalities. If you’re considering buying a home in Florida, it’s a good idea to research the property tax rules of both the municipality and county where you’ll reside.
Who’s exempt from paying property taxes in Florida?
Florida waives property taxes for a limited group of residents, including:
Active-duty military members who were deployed the previous tax year
Honorably discharged veterans with a service-related total and permanent disability
Disabled veterans who use a wheelchair
You’ll have to meet strict standards to qualify for a total exemption from paying property taxes. If you think you may qualify, it’s a good idea to reach out to your county assessor’s office for information.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed rates from more than 180 home insurance companies sourced directly from Insurify’s partner companies and Quadrant Information Services. Rates span all 50 states and Washington, D.C., and quote averages represent the mean price for a given coverage level and geographic area. To ensure data reliability, only insurers meeting minimum quote thresholds were included in the analysis.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for homeowners with no prior claims and good credit with a home construction year of 1980. The default coverage assumptions include:
Default Coverage Assumptions
- Dwelling coverage: $300,000
- Deductible: $1,000
- Personal property limit: $25,000
- Liability limit: $300,000
Additional data points beyond these default values are sourced from Insurify’s proprietary database. Rates are updated monthly.
Related articles
)
Best Homeowners Insurance in Florida
October 7, 2025
)
The Florida Home Insurance Crisis Explained
October 7, 2025
)
Cheapest Tampa Homeowners Insurance Quotes
October 7, 2025
)
Best Homeowners Insurance in Orlando
October 7, 2025
)
Best Homeowners Insurance in Miami
October 7, 2025
)
Cheapest Homeowners Insurance in Jacksonville, FL
October 7, 2025
)
Flood Insurance in Florida: What to Know
October 7, 2025
)
Best Condo Insurance in Florida
October 7, 2025
Sources
- Florida Department of Revenue. "CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT 5 Annual Inflation Adjustment to Homestead Exemption Value."
- Florida Department of Revenue. "The Property Tax System."
- Florida Department of Revenue. "Property Tax Information for Homestead Exemption."
- Florida Department of Revenue. "Property Tax Benefits for Persons 65 or Older."
- Florida Department of Revenue. "Other Available Property Tax Benefits."
- Florida Department of Revenue. "Property Tax Benefits for Active Duty Military and Veterans."
- Florida Department of Revenue. "Save Our Homes Assessment Limitation and Portability Transfer."
- Florida Department of Revenue. "Property Tax Information for First-Time Florida Homebuyers."
- Florida Department of Revenue. "If You Disagree with the Value of Your Property."
)
Aly J. Yale
Aly J. Yale is a freelance writer and reporter covering real estate, mortgages, and personal finance. Her work has been published in Forbes, Business Insider, Money, CBS News, US News & World Report, and The Miami Herald. She has a bachelor’s degree in radio-TV-film and news-editorial journalism from the Bob Schieffer College of Communication at TCU and is a member of the National Association of Real Estate Editors.
Aly has been a contributor at Insurify since September 2023.
10+ years in insurance and personal finance content
30+ years in media, PR, and content creation
Evelyn leads Insurify’s content team. She’s passionate about creating empowering content to help people transform their financial lives and make sound insurance-buying decisions.
Featured in