SESSION WATCH
Died SENATE · SESSION 2026

No. SB 272

Homestead Exemption for Persons 65 and Older
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SPONSOR
Bernard
FILED BY
Mack Bernard — District 24, Democrat [search donations]
EFFECTIVE
On the effective date of the amendment to the State Constitution proposed by SJR 270 or a similar joint resolution having substantially the same specific intent and purpose, if such amendment to the State Constitution is approved at the next general election or at an earlier special election specifically authorized by law for that purpose
DIED IN
Finance and Tax
OFFICIAL RECORD
flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/272

Filed under Taxes & Budget.

PROVIDED SUMMARY

Homestead Exemption for Persons 65 and Older; Expanding the homestead exemption for persons 65 years and older to include a total exemption of homestead property from ad valorem taxation, other than for school district levies, for certain persons whose household income does not exceed a certain amount; authorizing the Department of Revenue to adopt emergency rules, etc.

Full bill text →

Plain English Summary

AI-GENERATED
Grants full property tax exemption to low-income seniors.

Eligible seniors now receive a full exemption from all property taxes except school levies, replacing the previous $50,000 cap.

The income limit jumps from $20,000 to $35,000, adjusted annually for inflation, making far more households eligible for the benefit.

The residency requirement drops from 25 years to 5 years, allowing much more seniors to qualify for the exemption.

Local governments no longer need to pass ordinances to grant the exemption; it applies automatically statewide.

KEY PROVISIONS
§ 1 Mandatory statewide exemption majors. 196.075(2)

AICreates a mandatory, statewide homestead exemption equal to the full assessed value of the property, exempting it from all ad valorem taxes except school district levies.

“is entitled to a homestead exemption equal to the assessed value of the property, which shall apply to all ad valorem tax levies other than school district levies” bill text, line 46 →
§ 2 Income threshold raised majors. 196.075(2)

AIRaises the maximum household income for eligibility from $20,000 to $350,000, with annual cost-of-living adjustments.

“household income does not exceed $350,000” bill text, line 44 →
§ 3 Residency requirement shortened majors. 196.075(2)

AIReduces the required continuous residency on the property from 25 years to 5 years.

“maintained thereon the permanent residence of the owner for at least 5 years” bill text, line 42 →
§ 4 Local option repealed majors. 196.075(2)

AIRepeals the existing framework allowing counties and municipalities to adopt local ordinances for additional homestead exemptions, replacing it with a uniform state mandate.

“the board of county commissioners of any county or the governing authority of any municipality may adopt an ordinance to allow either or both of the following additional homestead” bill text, line 30 →
§ 5 Veteran discount restricted moderates. 196.082(1)

AIPrevents veterans who qualify for the new 65+ exemption from also receiving the disabled veteran discount.

“and does not qualify for the exemption under s. 196.075” bill text, line 179 →
§ 6 Emergency rulemaking moderates. 3(1)

AIAuthorizes the Department of Revenue to adopt emergency rules to administer the new exemption, effective for 6 months and renewable.

“The Department of Revenue is authorized, and all conditions are deemed met, to adopt emergency rules” bill text, line 186 →
TIMELINE
3/13/2026
Died in Finance and Tax
1/13/2026
Introduced
11/17/2025
Referred to Finance and Tax; Appropriations; Rules
10/23/2025
Filed
STATUTES IT CHANGES
s. 196.075
+41 / −499
s. 196.082
+12 / −1