While these last two years have often caused individuals to forget the day or month we are in, one thing hasn’t changed: deadlines. It is again the time for senior living facilities around the state to evaluate whether the facility is eligible for any property tax exemptions for this tax year. Exemption applications for any potentially exempt entities/properties are due with the respective County Property Appraiser no later than March 1, 2022.

There are multiple statutes under which a senior living facility could be entitled to an exemption, including:

• Homes for the aged exemption (F.S. 196.1975) – for non-profit entities that provide senior housing, with a greater exemption available (common area) for projects that have over 25% of the units reserved for low-income seniors.
• Proprietary continuing care facilities (F.S. 196.1977) – for $25,000/per unit exemption for residents that make that facility their primary residence (homestead).
• Assisted living facilities/Memory care centers (F.S. 196.197) – for non-profit entities that are licensed for certain types of care (including hospitals).

In addition, individual seniors should make sure they are getting appropriate homestead exemptions if they do not live in a senior living facility.