Florida · Property tax exemptions for veterans · Updated Oct 2026
Florida property tax exemptions for veterans (2026)
Every statewide property tax break for veterans in Florida that our guide lists, from disabled-veteran exemptions to breaks for surviving spouses. What each is worth, the VA rating it needs, the deadline and how to apply.
Short answer
The main property tax break for veterans in Florida is the Total and Permanent Disability Exemption for Veterans (and wheelchair-bound disabled veterans). Your homestead is fully exempt from property tax (100% of the value).
Total and Permanent Disability Exemption for Veterans (and wheelchair-bound disabled veterans)
Your homestead is fully exempt from property tax (100% of the value).
Who qualifies
Honorably discharged veteran with a service-connected total and permanent disability certified by a letter from the U.S. government or the VA, who is a permanent Florida resident on January 1. A similar full exemption covers veterans with a service-connected disability who must use a wheelchair (s. 196.091). An unremarried surviving spouse can keep the exemption, and an unremarried surviving spouse of a veteran who died on active duty can also qualify.
How to apply
File Form DR-501 with the property appraiser and attach the VA or U.S. government letter certifying total and permanent service-connected disability. You can apply before the letter arrives; the exemption then runs from the date of the original application.
Disabled Ex-Servicemember $5,000 Exemption and Combat-Disabled Veteran Discount (65+)
$5,000 off the assessed value if you are a veteran with a disability of 10% or more. Separately, if you are 65 or older with a combat-related permanent disability, your homestead tax is discounted by your VA disability percentage (for example, 40% disabled = 40% discount).
Who qualifies
$5,000: honorably discharged Florida resident veteran disabled 10% or more from service during wartime or by misfortune; can carry over to an unremarried surviving spouse. Discount: veteran 65 or older, honorably discharged, with a combat-related permanent service-connected disability; carries over to an unremarried surviving spouse who lives in the home.
How to apply
File Form DR-501 with the property appraiser and bring your VA disability rating letter and discharge papers (DD-214). For the discount, proof the disability is combat-related.
Renewal: Renews automatically in most counties; report changes.
Savings estimate for Florida
Roughly what an exemption could save you a year: the value it takes off, times your tax rate.
Eligibility finder for Florida
Answer a few questions to see which property tax breaks may fit you. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.
Pre-set for veterans: you own and live in the home and are a veteran. Add your VA rating, and change any answer.
Document checklist for Florida
Pick the breaks you plan to apply for. You get a checklist of forms, documents, steps and deadlines to print or keep on your phone.
Questions about veterans property tax breaks in Florida
Who qualifies for property tax breaks for veterans in Florida?
Total and Permanent Disability Exemption for Veterans (and wheelchair-bound disabled veterans): Honorably discharged veteran with a service-connected total and permanent disability certified by a letter from the U.S. government or the VA, who is a permanent Florida resident on January 1. A similar full exemption covers veterans with a service-connected disability who must use a wheelchair (s. 196.091). Disabled Ex-Servicemember $5,000 Exemption and Combat-Disabled Veteran Discount (65+): $5,000: honorably discharged Florida resident veteran disabled 10% or more from service during wartime or by misfortune; can carry over to an unremarried surviving spouse. Discount: veteran 65 or older, honorably discharged, with a combat-related permanent service-connected disability; carries over to an unremarried surviving spouse who lives in the home.
Is there an income limit for veterans' property tax breaks in Florida?
Our sources list no income limit for any of these breaks.
When is the deadline for veterans to apply in Florida?
Total and Permanent Disability Exemption for Veterans (and wheelchair-bound disabled veterans): March 1 of the tax year. Disabled Ex-Servicemember $5,000 Exemption and Combat-Disabled Veteran Discount (65+): March 1 of the tax year.
Do veterans have to reapply every year in Florida?
Total and Permanent Disability Exemption for Veterans (and wheelchair-bound disabled veterans): Renews with your homestead; tell the property appraiser if your status changes. Disabled Ex-Servicemember $5,000 Exemption and Combat-Disabled Veteran Discount (65+): Renews automatically in most counties; report changes.
Where do veterans apply for property tax breaks in Florida?
Your county property appraiser decides all exemptions. You apply with the property appraiser in the county where the home is, often online; the Florida Department of Revenue writes the forms and rules. For the Total and Permanent Disability Exemption for Veterans (and wheelchair-bound disabled veterans): File Form DR-501 with the property appraiser and attach the VA or U.S. government letter certifying total and permanent service-connected disability.