Property Tax Exemption · Florida
Florida offers some of the most substantial property tax relief in the country for veterans with a service-connected disability — including a full homestead exemption for those certified as permanently and totally disabled.
Under Florida Statute 196.081, real estate used as a homestead by an honorably discharged veteran who is certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as having a service-connected, permanent and total disability is exempt from property taxation. To qualify, the veteran must be a permanent Florida resident and hold legal title to the property on January 1 of the tax year. There is no income limit, and the certification does not expire.
An un-remarried surviving spouse of a qualifying veteran may, in many cases, continue to receive the exemption, and a portion may transfer to a new Florida homestead.
This page is general educational information, not legal or tax advice. Statutes and amounts can change — confirm the current rules and figures with your county property appraiser before relying on them.
Applications are filed with your county Property Appraiser (not the Tax Collector), generally by March 1 of the tax year. Typical documentation includes your VA disability certification letter, DD-214, proof of Florida residency, and the property deed. Requirements can vary by county.
Next: see the national overview and how a property tax exemption fits the rest of your housing costs.
Under Florida law (F.S. 196.081), an honorably discharged veteran certified with a service-connected permanent and total disability is exempt from property tax on their Florida homestead. The veteran must be a permanent Florida resident and hold legal title on January 1 of the tax year. There is no income limit. Confirm current eligibility with your county property appraiser.
Florida offers more than one benefit. Veterans with a service-connected disability of 10% or more may qualify for a partial reduction in assessed value (F.S. 196.24), while veterans certified as permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected condition may qualify for a full homestead exemption (F.S. 196.081). A separate discount may apply to certain combat-disabled veterans age 65 and older.
File with your county Property Appraiser (not the Tax Collector), generally by March 1 of the tax year. You will typically need your VA disability certification letter, DD-214, proof of Florida residency, and the property deed. Deadlines and required documents can vary by county, so confirm with your local office.
