How to apply for Florida Combat-Disabled Veteran Age 65+ Property Tax Discount

Who it's for

Florida gives veterans age 65 and older a discount on the property tax bill for their homestead when they have a permanent, combat-related, service-connected disability and were honorably discharged. The discount percentage equals the VA disability rating — a 70% rating means 70% off the ad valorem taxes on the home. This is one of the largest senior-specific veteran benefits in Florida. If the veteran dies, the discount carries over to a surviving spouse who keeps the home and does not remarry. Apply with the county property appraiser by March 1 using Form DR-501DV, the VA letter showing the percentage and the combat-related finding, proof of honorable discharge, and proof of age.

What you'll need

• Official VA letter stating the disability percentage and confirming the disability is combat-related
• Copy of the honorable discharge (DD-214)
• Proof of age as of January 1
• Form DR-501DV filed with the county property appraiser by March 1

Where to apply

Step by step

1. Confirm eligibility before gathering documents. You must be age 65 or older as of January 1, honorably discharged, and have a permanent, service-connected disability that the VA has specifically confirmed as combat-related. A standard VA rating letter alone is not enough — the letter must state the combat-related finding.
2. Gather your required documents: the official VA letter showing your disability percentage AND confirming the disability is combat-related; your honorable discharge (DD-214); and proof of age as of January 1.
3. Download and complete Form DR-501DV, the official application form for this discount.
4. Submit Form DR-501DV along with all required documents to your local county property appraiser online. The deadline to apply is March 1 for the current tax year.
5. If your VA paperwork is not yet ready, you may still file the application before it arrives. Keep in mind that retroactive refunds are limited to 4 years, so apply as early as possible.
6. After approval, note that this is a one-time application. The county property appraiser may periodically re-verify your eligibility, so respond promptly if contacted.

What to expect: After you submit Form DR-501DV and your supporting documents, the county property appraiser will review your application and verify that the VA letter confirms both the disability percentage and the combat-related finding. If approved, the discount applied to your homestead's ad valorem taxes will equal your VA disability rating percentage — for example, a 70% rating means 70% off. Processing times vary, so contact your county property appraiser for an estimate. Because this is a one-time application, you do not need to reapply each year, though the appraiser may periodically re-verify eligibility. If you are a surviving spouse who inherits this discount, you may keep it as long as you hold the homestead and do not remarry; if you sell and purchase a new home, a fixed dollar amount of the discount may transfer to the new residence.

Renewals

one-time application; the property appraiser may periodically re-verify