By Andy B. Cooper — Florida Licensed Real Estate Broker, SFR Certified · Cabana West Real Estate
Veterans Day is November 11. It's a good moment to talk about something many veterans who own homes in Florida don't fully use: property tax exemptions written specifically for them. Some are modest, some can eliminate property taxes on a homestead entirely. Here's an overview with links to the statutes so you can confirm the details.
Start with homestead
Most veterans' benefits build on the regular homestead exemption, which applies to a permanent Florida residence owned on January 1. The application deadline is March 1 under section 196.011. If you haven't filed homestead yet, start with our homestead guide.
$5,000 exemption for disabled veterans (10 percent or more)
Under section 196.24, Florida Statutes, an ex-servicemember discharged under honorable conditions who is a bona fide Florida resident and has a disability of 10 percent or more, incurred during wartime or by service-connected misfortune, is entitled to an exemption of $5,000 on property value. The unremarried surviving spouse of a qualified disabled ex-servicemember can also qualify. The statute treats a certificate of disability from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as prima facie evidence of eligibility.
Total and permanent service-connected disability
The largest benefit is in section 196.081. Real estate owned and used as a homestead by a veteran who was honorably discharged with a service-connected total and permanent disability is exempt from taxation. The statute also allows the exemption to continue for a surviving spouse who keeps ownership, lives in the home as a primary residence and doesn't remarry, and it describes how a surviving spouse who sells can carry the exemption to a new primary residence under similar conditions.
For a qualifying veteran, that can mean paying no ad valorem property taxes on the homestead. Non-ad valorem assessments, such as some district or service charges, may still appear on the bill.
Other exemptions to ask about
Florida law contains other benefits too. For example, section 196.082 gives an honorably discharged veteran age 65 or older with a combat-related, partially or totally permanent disability a discount on ad valorem taxes on the homestead. Eligibility rules for each benefit are specific, so ask the Property Appraiser's office which apply to you and what documents they need.
How to apply in Palm Beach County
Apply through the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser. Expect to provide:
- Proof of Florida residency and ownership, as for regular homestead.
- Your VA documentation showing the disability rating or status.
- Discharge information showing honorable service.
Veterans who receive a new or updated disability rating during the year should contact the Property Appraiser to see how and when it can be applied.
Buying a home as a veteran
If you're a veteran shopping for a home, VA-backed home loans are offered through private lenders with eligibility set by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Start at the VA's official housing assistance page and talk to a lender experienced with VA loans. We're not a lender, but we're glad to connect you with professionals and to help you find the right home.
When you estimate your costs, remember that a qualifying exemption can change the tax line dramatically. Use our mortgage calculator and enter the tax rate you actually expect to pay after exemptions.
Selling or moving
If you're selling a home with a veterans' exemption and buying another in Florida, plan the timing with the Property Appraiser in mind. Exemptions are tied to ownership and residence on January 1, and homestead portability rules may also apply. Our first-time seller guide covers the selling side.
Thank you
To every veteran and military family in Palm Beach County: thank you. If you have questions about buying, selling or renting, we're here to help, in English or Spanish. Contact Cabana West.
FAQ
Q: Do disabled veterans pay property taxes in Florida?
A veteran honorably discharged with a service-connected total and permanent disability can have the homestead fully exempt from taxation under section 196.081. Veterans with a disability of 10 percent or more may qualify for a $5,000 exemption under section 196.24.
Q: Can a surviving spouse keep the veteran's exemption?
Section 196.081 allows the exemption to continue for a surviving spouse who keeps ownership, lives in the home and does not remarry. Section 196.24 also covers the unremarried surviving spouse of a qualified disabled ex-servicemember.
Q: Where do veterans apply in Palm Beach County?
With the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser, along with or after filing for homestead.
Andy B. Cooper is a Florida Licensed Real Estate Broker, SFR Certified, with Cabana West Real Estate, serving Wellington, Palm Beach County, and all of Florida. Cabana West is a bilingual (English/Spanish) brokerage.
Disclaimer: This article is general educational information, not legal, tax, insurance or financial advice. Laws and requirements change. Confirm details with the official sources linked above and with a licensed professional before acting.