Florida Widow/Widower Homestead Exemption: A Simple Way to Cut Your Property Tax Bill

Losing a spouse is one of life’s greatest hardships. While financial matters may be the last thing on your mind, Florida offers a widow/widower homestead exemption that can help lighten your property tax burden during a difficult time.

This exemption—available in addition to Florida’s standard homestead exemption—can lower your home’s assessed value by $5,000, resulting in meaningful tax savings year after year.

If your spouse passed away recently and you own your Florida home as your primary residence, you may qualify. In this blog, we’ll explain how the widow/widower exemption works, who is eligible, how much you could save, and how to apply.

What Is the Widow/Widower Homestead Exemption?

In Florida, homeowners can claim multiple property tax exemptions that reduce the assessed value of their primary residence. The most well-known is the basic homestead exemption, which can reduce the taxable value of a home by up to $50,000.

In addition to this, the widow/widower exemption reduces your home’s assessed value by $5,000 if your spouse has passed away and you meet certain criteria. This means your annual property tax bill could drop by around $100, depending on your local tax rate.

That might not sound like a fortune—but over the course of 10 years, it could add up to $1,000 in savings for something that only takes a short time to apply for.

Why Many Homeowners Overlooked It—Until Now

Until recently, the widow/widower exemption in Florida was only $500, which translated to minimal annual tax savings. For example, in Brevard County, that older exemption saved homeowners around $5 per year—not enough to make filing worthwhile for many.

But the new $5,000 exemption makes the benefit significantly more attractive. .

Who Qualifies for the Widow/Widower Exemption in Florida?

To qualify for the widow/widower homestead exemption, you must meet the following criteria:

• Your spouse must have passed away on or before December 31 of the calendar year prior to the year you’re applying for the exemption.
  Example: To apply for the exemption for 2025, your spouse must have died by December 31, 2024.
• You must be a permanent resident of Florida.
• You must own and occupy the property as your primary residence on December 31 of the year prior to filing.
  Example: To claim the exemption for 2025, your home must have been your permanent residence as of December 31, 2024.
• You must not have remarried. The exemption is only available while you remain a widow or widower.
• You must have been legally married at the time of your spouse’s death. Divorced individuals do not qualify.
• You must apply by March 1 of the year you’re claiming the exemption.

How Much Can You Save?

In most Florida counties, property taxes range from 1% to 2% of the assessed home value. By lowering your home’s assessed value by $5,000, the widow/widower exemption typically results in $50 to $100 in annual tax savings, depending on where you live.

These savings can add up—especially when combined with other homestead exemptions, such as those for seniors, veterans, or individuals with disabilities.

How to Apply for the Widow/Widower Exemption

The application process is relatively simple:

1. File through your local county property appraiser’s office.
   Each Florida county has its own office—you can find contact information here.
2. Submit Florida Form DR-501, which is used for all homestead-related exemptions.
   Some counties may refer to it as Form CC-501.
3. If this is your first time applying, you’ll need to provide a copy of your spouse’s death certificate along with your application.
4. Submit your completed application by March 1 of the year you are claiming the exemption.

Planning Tip: Review Your Estate Plan After a Spouse Passes

Applying for a property tax exemption is just one step to take after losing a spouse. It’s also an important time to review your estate plan, update beneficiary designations, and make sure your legal documents reflect your new circumstances.

An estate planning attorney can help you:

• Update your will, trust, health care directives and powers of attorney.
• Ensure homestead protections are preserved.
• Explore options for property transfers that may reduce future tax burdens.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve recently lost a spouse, Florida’s widow/widower homestead exemption offers a small but valuable financial benefit. With the exemption now increased to $5,000, most homeowners find it well worth the time it takes to apply.

And if you haven’t reviewed your estate plan since your loss, we encourage you to speak with an attorney who can guide you through the legal and financial transitions ahead.

Need Help Filing or Updating Your Estate Plan?
At the Estate Planning & Elder Law Center of Brevard, we’ve helped Florida families protect their homes, reduce taxes, and preserve their legacies for more than 35 years.

Call us at (321) 729-0087 or visit elderlawcenterbrevard.com to schedule a consultation.