Florida · Alachua County · Local exemptions · Updated Oct 2026
Alachua County, FL property tax exemptions (2026)
The property tax breaks that are set or run locally in Alachua County, on top of Florida’s statewide rules: what each is worth here, who qualifies, where to apply and the deadline.
What is different in Alachua County
Alachua County has adopted both optional senior exemptions (the low-income senior exemption and the long-term resident exemption), according to the Florida DOR 2026 exemption report. The Property Appraiser says the amount is set by local ordinance but does not publish the amount. Florida DOR data show Gainesville, Alachua, High Springs and Micanopy also grant a senior exemption on city taxes; Archer, Hawthorne, LaCrosse, Newberry and Waldo do not.
Apply at
Alachua County Property Appraiser
Phone
352-374-5230
Local breaks
Additional Homestead Exemption for Persons 65 and Older (low-income senior exemption), Long-Term Resident Senior Exemption (65+, 25 years in the home)
Tax year
2026
We could not confirm all of Alachua County’s local rules yet. Some facts on this page rest on limited sources. Call the office below before you rely on them.
Additional Homestead Exemption for Persons 65 and Older (low-income senior exemption)
Up to $50,000 off the assessed value for Alachua County taxes. The Florida DOR 2026 exemption report shows $48,704,222 of this exemption granted in Alachua County, so the county has adopted it; the exact county amount and any city versions are not published by the property appraiser.
Set by
county (per Florida DOR 2026 report; not school taxes)
Tax year
2026
Who qualifies
You have the homestead exemption, at least one owner living in the home is 65 or older on January 1, and total household adjusted gross income for the prior year is at or below the limit.
Income limit
$38,686 household adjusted gross income (2026 limit, applied to 2025 income of everyone living in the home)
How to apply
File DR-501 and DR-501SC (household income) with proof of age with the Alachua County Property Appraiser by March 1: in person, online or via the drop box at the downtown office.
Under s. 196.075, F.S., the income statement is required the first year; after that you must tell the property appraiser by May 1 if household income goes over the limit. Some property appraisers ask for income proof every year, so ask the office how renewal works here.
Long-Term Resident Senior Exemption (65+, 25 years in the home)
Exempts the home's assessed value from Alachua County taxes. The Florida DOR 2026 exemption report shows $13,355,387 of this exemption granted in Alachua County.
Set by
county (per Florida DOR 2026 report; not school taxes)
Tax year
2026
Who qualifies
Meets the senior exemption rules (65+, household income at or below the limit) and has lived in the home as a permanent residence for at least 25 years, and the home's just (market) value was under $250,000 in the first year you apply and qualify.
Income limit
$38,686 household adjusted gross income (2026 limit, applied to 2025 income of everyone living in the home)
How to apply
File DR-501 and DR-501SC (household income) with proof of age with the Alachua County Property Appraiser by March 1: in person, online or via the drop box at the downtown office.
Roughly what an exemption could save you a year: the value it takes off, times your tax rate.
Eligibility finder for Alachua County
Answer a few questions to see which property tax breaks may fit you. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.
Document checklist for Alachua County
Pick the breaks you plan to apply for. You get a checklist of forms, documents, steps and deadlines to print or keep on your phone.
Questions about property tax exemptions in Alachua County
What property tax exemptions are there in Alachua County?
Alachua County has adopted both optional senior exemptions (the low-income senior exemption and the long-term resident exemption), according to the Florida DOR 2026 exemption report. The Property Appraiser says the amount is set by local ordinance but does not publish the amount. Florida DOR data show Gainesville, Alachua, High Springs and Micanopy also grant a senior exemption on city taxes; Archer, Hawthorne, LaCrosse, Newberry and Waldo do not. Local breaks here: Additional Homestead Exemption for Persons 65 and Older (low-income senior exemption); Long-Term Resident Senior Exemption (65+, 25 years in the home).
Where do I apply for a property tax exemption in Alachua County?
Alachua County Property Appraiser Phone: 352-374-5230 Address: 515 North Main Street, Suite 200, Gainesville, FL 32601. Also: Alachua County Tax Collector, which pays the tax bill.
When is the deadline to apply in Alachua County?
Additional Homestead Exemption for Persons 65 and Older (low-income senior exemption): March 1. Long-Term Resident Senior Exemption (65+, 25 years in the home): March 1.
Is there an income limit for Alachua County’s local breaks?
Additional Homestead Exemption for Persons 65 and Older (low-income senior exemption): $38,686 household adjusted gross income (2026 limit, applied to 2025 income of everyone living in the home) Long-Term Resident Senior Exemption (65+, 25 years in the home): $38,686 household adjusted gross income (2026 limit, applied to 2025 income of everyone living in the home)
Do I have to reapply every year in Alachua County?
Additional Homestead Exemption for Persons 65 and Older (low-income senior exemption): Under s. 196.075, F.S., the income statement is required the first year; after that you must tell the property appraiser by May 1 if household income goes over the limit. Some property appraisers ask for income proof every year, so ask the office how renewal works here. Long-Term Resident Senior Exemption (65+, 25 years in the home): Same as the senior exemption: report by May 1 if household income goes over the limit.
Median effective tax rate for Alachua County: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2020–2024 5-year estimates, county figures as published by Tax Foundation. The rate is property taxes paid divided by home value.