Florida · Santa Rosa County · Local exemptions · Updated Oct 2026
Santa Rosa County, FL property tax exemptions (2026)
The property tax breaks that are set or run locally in Santa Rosa 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 Santa Rosa County
Santa Rosa County offers the $50,000 low-income senior exemption and the long-term resident ("Senior Longevity") exemption, neither of which reduces school taxes; Florida DOR data show Milton, Gulf Breeze and Jay also grant a senior exemption on city taxes. Unlike most large Florida counties, Santa Rosa requires seniors to renew income-based exemptions every year.
Apply at
Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser
Phone
850-983-1880
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 (not school district taxes).
Set by
county (not school district 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
First time: file Form DR-501 (check the age 65 and older with limited income box) plus Form DR-501SC household income statement with the property appraiser, with prior-year federal tax returns and W-2s for everyone in the household.
Annual: the Property Appraiser says income-based exemptions must be renewed each year after January 1 (automatic renewal notices are mailed each January).
Long-Term Resident Senior Exemption (65+, 25 years in the home)
Exempts the home's assessed value ("Senior Longevity Exemption").
Set by
county (not school district 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 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.
Annual: the Property Appraiser says income-based exemptions must be renewed each year after January 1 (automatic renewal notices are mailed each January).
Roughly what an exemption could save you a year: the value it takes off, times your tax rate.
Eligibility finder for Santa Rosa County
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Document checklist for Santa Rosa County
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Questions about property tax exemptions in Santa Rosa County
What property tax exemptions are there in Santa Rosa County?
Santa Rosa County offers the $50,000 low-income senior exemption and the long-term resident ("Senior Longevity") exemption, neither of which reduces school taxes; Florida DOR data show Milton, Gulf Breeze and Jay also grant a senior exemption on city taxes. Unlike most large Florida counties, Santa Rosa requires seniors to renew income-based exemptions every year. 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 Santa Rosa County?
Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser Phone: 850-983-1880 Address: 6495 Caroline Street, Suite K, Milton, FL 32570. Also: Santa Rosa County Tax Collector, which pays the tax bill.
When is the deadline to apply in Santa Rosa 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 Santa Rosa 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 Santa Rosa County?
Additional Homestead Exemption for Persons 65 and Older (low-income senior exemption): Annual: the Property Appraiser says income-based exemptions must be renewed each year after January 1 (automatic renewal notices are mailed each January). Long-Term Resident Senior Exemption (65+, 25 years in the home): Annual: the Property Appraiser says income-based exemptions must be renewed each year after January 1 (automatic renewal notices are mailed each January).
Median effective tax rate for Santa Rosa 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.