January 29, 2025
If you own a home in Charlotte County, you might already be familiar with the shock of annual property tax bills. Between rising assessments and shifting budgets, it can seem like everyone wants a slice of what you’ve worked hard to secure. Thankfully, Florida law offers property tax exemptions to ease the burden—especially for seniors, veterans, retirees, and disabled individuals.
Below, you’ll find information on these exemptions, how to apply for them in Charlotte County, and the potential savings involved. After all, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice essentials just to hold onto your home.
In Florida, the Homestead Exemption (pursuant to Florida Statute 196.031) can reduce the taxable value of your primary residence by up to $50,000. This applies to all qualifying homeowners, not only seniors, but it often forms the foundation for further exemptions.
If you haven’t claimed this basic exemption, it’s a logical first step.
The Charlotte County Property Appraiser determines the assessed value of your property and applies any exemptions for which you qualify. If you ever dispute your property’s assessed value, you would address that with the Value Adjustment Board.
Contact Details:
Florida lawmakers understand that retirees often have limited incomes. To provide relief, there are exemptions beyond the basic Homestead Exemption.
Under Florida Statute 196.075, local governments can provide an additional homestead exemption for those 65 and older with household incomes below a set threshold (adjusted each January).
In Charlotte County, you usually need the standard Homestead Exemption in place first. You must also provide income documentation—such as tax returns and Social Security statements—each year.
How to Apply
Potential Savings:
If your property’s assessed value is $100,000 and you qualify for both the standard Homestead ($50,000) and the low-income senior exemption ($50,000), your taxable value for non-school taxes could drop to $0. That might amount to hundreds or thousands saved, depending on local millage rates.
Veterans with service-connected disabilities may be eligible for a partial or total property tax exemption under Florida Statutes 196.081 and 196.24, depending on disability rating.
Application Steps
Potential Savings: A high disability rating can reduce your taxable value to zero, translating to potentially thousands in savings per year—subject to your assessed value.
Veterans 65 or older with a combat-related disability rated at least 10% can receive an ad valorem tax discount under Florida Statute §196.082. The discount matches the veteran’s disability rating, and the property must be the veteran’s primary residence.
Under Florida Statute 196.101, homestead property used by someone totally and permanently disabled (who relies on a wheelchair for mobility or is legally blind) can be exempt from property taxes.
Under Florida Statute §196.202, individuals who are legally blind may qualify for a partial exemption. While it’s not as large as a full exemption, it still helps reduce the tax load.
Understanding exemptions is one thing; getting them on your bill is another. Follow these steps to be sure your taxes are adjusted correctly.
Once the Property Appraiser’s office processes your application, any approved exemption will appear on your Notice of Proposed Property Taxes (TRIM Notice), which is mailed in August. If you believe your exemption was improperly denied, you can petition the Value Adjustment Board (more paperwork, but sometimes necessary).
One reason homeowners might miss out on property tax exemptions is overlooking the filing deadline. March 1 can arrive quickly if you’re not paying attention. It’s helpful to circle that date on your calendar or set a reminder on your phone. Gathering documents by January gives you room to handle any missing paperwork, confirm eligibility requirements, and address questions with county officials before the deadline. Late filing could result in lost benefits for the year, so keep it top of mind.
Staying organized is half the battle. Keep a physical or digital folder for all property-related documents, including past applications, property tax bills, TRIM Notices, income statements, disability certifications, and correspondence with the county or Veterans Affairs. This system lets you find what you need quickly when it’s time to apply or renew, and it ensures you have proof on hand if anyone asks for more information.
Your Notice of Proposed Property Taxes (known as the TRIM Notice) usually arrives in August. It outlines your home’s assessed value, any exemptions applied, and the projected tax amount. Open it as soon as it arrives. If an exemption you filed for doesn’t appear, or if the assessed value looks off, contact the Property Appraiser’s office right away. It’s simpler to correct mistakes before tax bills become final.
For seniors seeking the low-income exemption, the state updates annual income limits based on cost-of-living factors. Qualifying one year doesn’t mean you automatically qualify the next, so confirm the current threshold if your income fluctuates. Having copies of relevant forms—such as tax returns and Social Security statements—ready in a single folder makes it easier to demonstrate your status when the new thresholds come out.
Some exemptions, including the low-income senior exemption, must be renewed annually. Others, like the basic Homestead Exemption, usually carry over unless your ownership or property use changes. If your particular exemption needs yearly re-verification, make sure to submit new documentation by the required deadline. A missed renewal could mean losing tax benefits for that period. If you’re unsure, contact the Property Appraiser’s office to confirm whether you need to reapply each year.
Consider a scenario involving two homeowners, both 67, in Port Charlotte. Their property’s assessed value is $150,000. They qualify for:
This could reduce their taxable value for non-school taxes to $0 and leave $50,000 taxable for school purposes. Depending on millage rates, they might save well over $1,000. If either is a veteran with a certain disability rating, the tax breaks could be even greater.
While the Property Appraiser’s office sets assessed values and exemptions, the Tax Collector handles billing and collects your property taxes. For payment details, installment plans, or tax certificates, contact:
Moving to a different primary residence in Florida means you must reapply for a homestead exemption on the new property. The exemption does not transfer automatically. Even if you had an exemption at your former address in Charlotte County, you will need to apply anew with the county where your new home is located (or reapply in Charlotte County if you move within the same county).
If you own a vacant parcel next to your homesteaded property, you might consider combining them on the tax roll. By doing so, the “Save Our Homes” protection may extend to the combined parcels. This can prevent unexpected spikes in assessed value for the additional lot. Check with the Property Appraiser’s office for instructions on merging parcels.
According to the Charlotte County Property Appraiser:
Primary Requirements for Homestead Exemption
Any individual who holds legal or equitable title to a Florida property, lives in it as a permanent residence as of January 1, and is a legal resident of the state can qualify for the homestead exemption for that year.
Documents Often Used to Demonstrate Florida Residency
Since 2009, non-homesteaded properties in Florida (e.g., second homes, commercial buildings, or vacant parcels) are subject to a 10% cap on annual assessment increases, applicable to non-school taxes.
A surviving spouse who is a permanent Florida resident can claim this exemption, unless they remarry. Proof of the spouse’s passing (death certificate) is needed.
Individuals who can show documentation of a disability (including legal blindness) may qualify for a partial exemption. Proof can include physician statements or records from the U.S. Veterans Administration or the Social Security Administration.
Veterans with a documented war-time disability of at least 10% may receive an extra $5,000 exemption. Surviving spouses can also continue to receive benefits under certain circumstances.
Quadriplegic, paraplegic, hemiplegic, or individuals who must use a wheelchair (or are legally blind) can qualify for a total exemption under Florida Statute §196.101, provided certain income limitations are met (unless the applicant is a quadriplegic). Veterans with a permanent service-connected disability may also be exempt under Florida Statute §196.081.
Property owners who are 65 or older, hold a homestead exemption, and have household incomes below a set threshold may apply for an additional exemption up to $50,000 (pursuant to Florida Statute §196.075).
Absolutely. A disabled veteran over 65 who meets low-income standards can potentially layer exemptions, pushing taxable value close to zero.
Late filing could affect your exemption for that tax year. You might still file if you demonstrate extenuating circumstances, but approval isn’t certain.
Figuring out property tax exemptions can be cumbersome, but the financial relief is valuable for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. If you qualify in Charlotte County, it’s wise to apply so you aren’t paying more than necessary.
Here are a few helpful resources:
It may require patience and paperwork, but these exemptions exist for a purpose. If you hit a snag, a conversation with the Property Appraiser’s office can often point you in the right direction.
Disclaimer(s)
This guide is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Consult a qualified professional and refer to official government resources when making financial or legal decisions.
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Landsberg Bennett Private Wealth Management is a group comprised of investment professionals registered with Hightower Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser. Some investment professionals may also be registered with Hightower Securities, LLC, member FINRA and SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Hightower Advisors, LLC. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC. All information referenced herein is from sources believed to be reliable. Landsberg Bennett Private Wealth Management and Hightower Advisors, LLC have not independently verified the accuracy of completeness of the information contained in this document. Landsberg Bennett Private Wealth Management and Hightower Advisors, LLC or any of its affiliates make no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the information or for statements or errors or omissions, or results obtained from the use of this information. Landsberg Bennett Private Wealth Management and Hightower Advisors, LLC or any of its affiliates assume no liability for any action made or taken in reliance on or relating in any way to the information. This document and the materials contained herein were created for informational purposes only; the opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s), and do not represent those of Hightower Advisors, LLC or any of its affiliates. Landsberg Bennett Private Wealth Management and Hightower Advisors, LLC or any of its affiliates do not provide tax or legal advice. This material was not intended or written to be used or presented to any entity as tax or legal advice. Clients are urged to consult their tax and/or legal advisor for related questions.
Hightower Advisors, LLC is an SEC registered investment adviser. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC member FINRA and SIPC. Hightower Advisors, LLC or any of its affiliates do not provide tax or legal advice. This material is not intended or written to provide and should not be relied upon or used as a substitute for tax or legal advice. Information contained herein does not consider an individual’s or entity’s specific circumstances or applicable governing law, which may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and be subject to change. Clients are urged to consult their tax or legal advisor for related questions.
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Landsberg Bennett is a group comprised of investment professionals registered with Hightower Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser. Some investment professionals may also be registered with Hightower Securities, LLC, member FINRA and SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Hightower Advisors, LLC. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC. All information referenced herein is from sources believed to be reliable. Landsberg Bennett and Hightower Advisors, LLC have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this document. Landsberg Bennett and Hightower Advisors, LLC or any of its affiliates make no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the information or for statements or errors or omissions, or results obtained from the use of this information. Landsberg Bennett and Hightower Advisors, LLC or any of its affiliates assume no liability for any action made or taken in reliance on or relating in any way to the information. This document and the materials contained herein were created for informational purposes only; the opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s), and do not represent those of Hightower Advisors, LLC or any of its affiliates. Landsberg Bennett and Hightower Advisors, LLC or any of its affiliates do not provide tax or legal advice. This material was not intended or written to be used or presented to any entity as tax or legal advice. Clients are urged to consult their tax and/or legal advisor for related questions.