Florida · Lake County · Local exemptions · Updated Oct 2026
Lake County, FL property tax exemptions (2026)
The property tax breaks that are set or run locally in Lake 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 Lake County
Lake County and the City of Minneola give the full $50,000 low-income senior exemption; Clermont, Lady Lake, Mount Dora and Tavares give $25,000 on city taxes, and other cities give none. Lake County also has the long-term resident senior exemption, but only on the Lake County General millage. Lake asks for income documents by May 1.
Apply at
Lake County Property Appraiser (Exemptions Dept.)
Phone
352-253-2150
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)
Additional Homestead Exemption for Persons 65 and Older (low-income senior exemption)
$50,000 off the assessed value for Lake County and City of Minneola taxes; $25,000 for city taxes in Clermont, Lady Lake, Mount Dora and Tavares. Other cities (e.g. Leesburg, Eustis, Groveland) are not listed.
Set by
county, Minneola and four cities (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
Apply online, by mail (Attn: Exemptions Dept., 320 W. Main St., Suite A, Tavares, FL 32778) or in person with DR-501 and DR-501SC by March 1. Household income documents (prior-year Form 1040s, or W-2/1099/SSA-1099s for non-filers) are due by May 1.
Long-Term Resident Senior Exemption (65+, 25 years in the home)
Exempts the home's assessed value from the Lake County General millage only.
Set by
county General millage only (not school or other taxing authorities)
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 Form DR-501 (check the age 65 and older with 25 years permanent residency box) plus Form DR-501SC with the property appraiser, with proof of 25 years of residence and prior-year tax returns and W-2s for the household.
Roughly what an exemption could save you a year: the value it takes off, times your tax rate.
Eligibility finder for Lake County
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Document checklist for Lake County
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Questions about property tax exemptions in Lake County
What property tax exemptions are there in Lake County?
Lake County and the City of Minneola give the full $50,000 low-income senior exemption; Clermont, Lady Lake, Mount Dora and Tavares give $25,000 on city taxes, and other cities give none. Lake County also has the long-term resident senior exemption, but only on the Lake County General millage. Lake asks for income documents by May 1. 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 Lake County?
Lake County Property Appraiser (Exemptions Dept.) Phone: 352-253-2150 Address: 320 W. Main St., Suite A, Tavares, FL 32778. Also: Lake County Tax Collector, which pays the tax bill.
When is the deadline to apply in Lake 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 Lake 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 Lake County?
Additional Homestead Exemption for Persons 65 and Older (low-income senior exemption): Once approved, exemptions renew automatically each year; there is no annual re-application (report by May 1 if income goes over the limit). Long-Term Resident Senior Exemption (65+, 25 years in the home): Once approved, exemptions renew automatically each year; there is no annual re-application (report by May 1 if income goes over the limit).
Median effective tax rate for Lake 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.