Homestead Exemption for Seniors with Limited Income

Enacted in 2013, this law allows counties or municipalities to grant either one or both of the following:

1. An exemption not exceeding $50,000 to any person who has the legal or equitable title to real estate, maintains their permanent residence on the property, is 65 or older, and whose household income does not exceed the household income limitation.
2. An additional exemption equal to the assessed value of the property to an owner who has title to real estate in Florida with a just value less than $250,000, has maintained permanent residence on the property for not less than 25 years, is 65 or older and whose household income does not exceed the household income limitation.

The household income limitation is adjusted each year on January 1, according to changes in the consumer price index (CPI). It compares the prior year cost-of-living with the year before. Information on the CPI and current income limit for this exemption is available from the Department of Revenue. To find the income limitation information for these senior exemptions, scroll down to the subheading on the page titled Additional Homestead Exemption for Persons 65 and Older.

The Homestead Exemption for Seniors has been granted, with various benefit amounts, in the following Lee County jurisdictions:

• City of Sanibel - 25,000
• City of Bonita Springs - 25,000
• City of Fort Myers - 25,000
• City of Cape Coral - 50,000
• Town of Fort Myers Beach - 50,000 and up to 250,000
• Village of Estero - 50,000 and up to 250,000
• All Lee County Millages - 50,000 and up to 250,000

Applications and Instructions for Filing

If You File An Income Tax Return:

1. Complete the Sworn Statement of Adjusted Gross Income of Household (this is the application for the Senior Exemption).
2. Submit the Sworn Statement of Adjusted Gross Income of Household to the Property Appraiser on or before March 1.
3. Submit a copy of your current year’s tax return and W-2 for all persons residing in your home (excluding renters and boarders) to the Property Appraiser no later than June 1.

If You Do Not File An Income Tax Return:

1. Complete the Sworn Statement of Adjusted Gross Income of Household (this is the application for the Senior Exemption).
2. Complete Lines 1 through 4 of the IRS Form 4506 and sign the form. There is no fee for verification of non-filing.
3. Submit the Sworn Statement of Adjusted Gross Income of Household, proof of age, and the IRS Form 4506 to the Property Appraiser on or before March 1.
4. Submit a copy of your Social Security Statement (SSA-1099) to the Property Appraiser no later than June 1. The Social Security Administration will send you your SSA-1099 by February.

Late Filing (If You Missed the March 1 Deadline):

IMPORTANT: If you did not timely file for this exemption by the March 1 deadline set by state law, there are statutory provisions determining deadlines for late filing and providing income verification. If you think you may qualify, file as soon as possible and we will approve your application in accordance with Florida law. Failure to file before statutory deadlines may prevent you from receiving the exemption for the current year. Please govern yourself accordingly.

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