Veterans with a Service-Connected Total and Permanent Disability
A veteran who is a permanent Florida resident and was honorably discharged from the armed forces, and who sustained a service-connected total and permanent disability, can qualify for exemption from all ad valorem taxes on their homesteaded property.
This tax exemption carries over to the un-remarried surviving spouse with legal or equitable title and Homestead Exemption on the property.
Total and permanent disability is defined as an impairment of the mind or body that renders a person unable to engage in any substantial gainful occupation and that is reasonably certain to continue throughout life.
Requirements
To qualify the veteran must
- Be a permanent resident of Florida on January 1 of the year that he or she is applying
- Have a homestead exemption
- Have been honorably discharged from the military
- Have sustained a service-connected total and permanent disability
A veteran applying for the first time must file a Homestead Exemption Application by March 1 and include a letter from the Veteran’s Administration (VA) certifying a Service-Connected Total and Permanent disability, or a copy of his or her VA letter that would serve as certification of the disability.
The widow or widower of a service member whose death was the result of a service-connected disabling injury or who died while serving in the military can also benefit from this exemption.
Submit Your Application
Submit the Property Tax Exemption (DR-501) form and select Disabled veteran confined to wheelchair, service-connected.
Include a letter from the Veterans Administration (VA) certifying a Service-Connected Total and Permanent Disability, or a copy of VA letter that would serve as certification of the disability.
Applications and required documentation must be submitted by March 1.
You may submit your application using the following methods:
- By email - Submit the completed form using our Contact Form
- Schedule an Appointment – Use our Appointment Application to book a visit at either SPCC or South Dade.
Walk-In
- Stephen P. Clark Center
111 NW 1 Street
Suite 710
Miami, FL 33128 - South Dade Government Center
10710 SW 211 Street
2nd Floor
Cutler Bay, FL 33189
To confirm your application has been received and to track its status, visit the Track Your Application Status webpage. For more information, call 305-375-4712.
You can file a late property tax exemption application starting March 2 until the expiration on your August Notice of Proposed Property Taxes (TRIM Notice), which is on or before September 20. You may have to file a petition with the Value Adjustment Board; a $15 fee may be applicable.
You can file a late application online, by mail, email or in person. For more information on how to file a late application, call 305-375-4712.
Related Services
If you are a veteran or surviving spouse planning to purchase or move into a new home, you may request a tentative (non-binding) eligibility verification to learn whether you qualify for veteran-related exemptions before filing your next Homestead Exemption application. This process uses the DR-501V – Tentative Eligibility Verification for Certain Exemptions form and helps you confirm your status early.
The Disability Exemption is automatically renewed each year. If you are still eligible for these exemption(s), you do not need to take any further action. Keep the automatic renewal receipt our office mails every year with the updated adjusted household for your records.
Florida Law prescribes that it is the duty of the owner of any property to notify the Property Appraiser promptly whenever the use of the property or the status or condition of the owner changes, so as to change the exempt status of the property.
If any owner fails to notify the Property Appraiser, and the Property Appraiser determines that for any year within the prior 10 years the owner was not entitled to receive such exemption, the property shall be subject to the taxes exempted as a result of such failure, plus 15 percent interest per year, and a penalty of 50 percent of the taxes exempted.
Veterans and surviving spouses can request a tentative (non-binding) eligibility verification for exemptions on a new property before filing the next homestead application.