Florida · Hardee County · Local exemptions · Updated Oct 2026
Hardee County, FL property tax exemptions (2026)
The property tax breaks that are set or run locally in Hardee 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 Hardee County
Hardee County and all three of its cities (Wauchula, Bowling Green and Zolfo Springs) each give a $25,000 low-income senior exemption, half the state maximum; the Property Appraiser estimates savings of $222-$436 a year depending on the tax district. The long-term resident senior exemption has not been adopted.
Apply at
Hardee County Property Appraiser
Phone
863-773-2196
Local breaks
Additional Homestead Exemption for Persons 65 and Older (low-income senior exemption)
Additional Homestead Exemption for Persons 65 and Older (low-income senior exemption)
$25,000 off the assessed value for Hardee County taxes and $25,000 for city taxes in Wauchula, Bowling Green and Zolfo Springs; savings of about $222-$436 a year depending on tax rates and district.
Set by
Hardee County and all municipalities (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 an initial application with the Property Appraiser (DR-501SC) by March 1 with the prior year's federal income tax return, if filed, and W-2s and 1099s.
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.
Roughly what an exemption could save you a year: the value it takes off, times your tax rate.
Eligibility finder for Hardee County
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Document checklist for Hardee County
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Questions about property tax exemptions in Hardee County
What property tax exemptions are there in Hardee County?
Hardee County and all three of its cities (Wauchula, Bowling Green and Zolfo Springs) each give a $25,000 low-income senior exemption, half the state maximum; the Property Appraiser estimates savings of $222-$436 a year depending on the tax district. The long-term resident senior exemption has not been adopted. Local breaks here: Additional Homestead Exemption for Persons 65 and Older (low-income senior exemption).
Where do I apply for a property tax exemption in Hardee County?
Hardee County Property Appraiser Phone: 863-773-2196 Address: 110 West Oak Street, Suite 103, Wauchula, FL 33873. Also: Hardee County Tax Collector, which pays the tax bill.
When is the deadline to apply in Hardee County?
Additional Homestead Exemption for Persons 65 and Older (low-income senior exemption): March 1.
Is there an income limit for Hardee 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)
Do I have to reapply every year in Hardee 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.
Median effective tax rate for Hardee 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.