Barrett Henry, MRPFlorida is one of the most veteran-friendly states in the country, and property tax exemptions are a major reason why. Depending on your disability rating and service history, you could save thousands of dollars annually on property taxes — or pay nothing at all. As a REALTOR with 23+ years of experience and an MRP certification, I make sure every veteran client knows about these savings before they buy.
Florida provides several levels of property tax exemptions for veterans, ranging from a $5,000 basic exemption to full 100% exemption. The amount you qualify for depends on your VA disability rating and service details.
Any Florida resident who is an honorably discharged veteran with a service-connected disability is eligible for a $5,000 exemption off the assessed value of their homesteaded property. On a home assessed at $350,000, this saves approximately $85-$100 per year depending on your county's millage rate.
While not a massive savings, it's automatic money back in your pocket every year, and it stacks with the standard homestead exemption.
Veterans with a VA disability rating who use a wheelchair or are legally blind due to service-connected conditions may qualify for a larger partial exemption. The specific amount varies, but this exemption applies to additional assessed value beyond the standard homestead exemption.
This is the big one. Veterans with a 100% permanent and total (P&T) disability rating from the VA are eligible for a complete property tax exemption on their homesteaded property. That means you pay $0 in property taxes — regardless of your home's value.
In Hillsborough County, where the average effective property tax rate is approximately 0.97%, this exemption saves a veteran with a $400,000 home roughly $3,880 per year. Over 20 years, that's more than $77,000 in savings.
Ready to use your VA benefit?
Barrett Henry, MRP, helps Tampa Bay veterans buy homes with $0 down. Call (813) 733-7907 or request a free consultation.
Yes. If a veteran with a total and permanent disability passes away, the surviving spouse may continue to receive the full exemption as long as they:
Additionally, surviving spouses of veterans who died from service-connected causes may qualify for the full exemption even if the veteran was never rated 100% P&T during their lifetime.
Florida also offers a property tax discount (not full exemption) for veterans age 65 or older with a combat-related disability. The discount is a percentage equal to their disability rating. A veteran with a 70% rating, for example, receives a 70% discount on their property taxes.
To apply:
In Hillsborough County, applications can be started online. Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, and the other Tampa Bay counties have similar processes.
Barrett Henry, MRP with REMAX Collective, ensures every veteran client is aware of these exemptions before closing and connects them with the right county offices to file. Combined with the VA loan's $0 down and no PMI, these tax exemptions make Florida homeownership incredibly affordable for veterans. Call (813) 733-7907 to discuss your VA loan eligibility and potential tax savings.
Share this article
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.
Free Housing Resources
No. Veterans with a 100% permanent and total (P&T) disability rating from the VA are eligible for a complete property tax exemption on their homesteaded property in Florida.
You must file by March 1 of the tax year you want the exemption to begin. Applications are filed at your county property appraiser's office.
Yes. An un-remarried surviving spouse may continue receiving the full exemption as long as they maintain the property as their primary residence and hold legal title.
Yes. Veterans age 65 or older with a combat-related disability receive a property tax discount percentage equal to their disability rating (e.g., 70% rating = 70% discount).
Barrett Henry, MRP
Broker Associate, REMAX Collective · Military Relocation Professional
Barrett helps Tampa Bay veterans and military families buy homes using their VA benefit. Son of a U.S. Air Force veteran with 23+ years of real estate experience. Learn more →
Florida offers disabled veterans a powerful combination of benefits that can save tens of thousands on homeownership. Here's everything you qualify for.
The VA funding fee can add thousands to your loan — but many veterans are exempt and don't know it. Here's who qualifies and how much you'll save.
Most veterans know about $0 down, but the VA loan has hidden advantages that could save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your mortgage.
Barrett Henry, MRP, answers personally — no call center, no pressure. Fill out the form for a free consultation.
Barrett responds personally within 2 hours. No call centers, no pressure.
