This is the most complete and easy-to-follow guide to the Miami-Dade Senior Exemption for the 2026 tax year.
If you (or your spouse) are 65 or older and own your home in Miami-Dade County, you can get extra property tax savings on top of your regular homestead exemption.
Many seniors save hundreds or even thousands of dollars every year with this exemption.
My name is Raj Patel. I am the same independent Florida property tax expert who runs PascoCountyPropertyAppraiser.us and BrevardCountyPropertyAppraiser.us.
I personally checked the official Miami-Dade Property Appraiser website miamidadepa.gov today — February 24, 2026 — and I update this page the same day any change happens.
This site is 100% independent. We have no connection to Property Appraiser Tomas Regalado or Miami-Dade County government.
My only goal is to give you every tiny step, every document needed, every tip, and every warning so you can claim this extra savings easily and correctly for 2026.
Important Facts About the Miami-Dade Senior Exemption 2026
- You must already have (or apply for) the Homestead Exemption on the same property.
- At least one owner must be 65 years old or older as of January 1, 2026.
- Total household adjusted gross income (from all people living in the home) for the year 2025 cannot exceed $38,686.
- This is an additional exemption on top of the regular homestead exemption (first $25,000 + inflation-adjusted second portion).
- It renews automatically every year if you still qualify — you do not need to reapply every year.
- There is also a Long-Term Resident Senior Exemption (extra benefit for seniors who have lived in the same home for 25+ years and the home’s just value is under $250,000 in the first year).
Deadline for 2026: March 1, 2026 (File late and you lose the entire year’s extra savings.)
Exact Micro-Steps to Apply for the Senior Exemption (Online – Recommended)
You must have homestead first (or apply for both at the same time).
- Go to the official online portal: https://apps.miamidadepa.gov/PA.OnlineExemptions/
- Log in with your existing account (the same one you used for homestead) or click “Create New Account”.
- Verify your email if it’s your first time.
- Click “New Application” or “Add Exemption”.
- Select Senior Exemption (Age 65 and Older with Limited Income).
- Also select Long-Term Resident Senior Exemption if you qualify (25+ years in the same home).
- Search and select your property by folio or address.
- Upload these documents (clear photos or scans):
- Proof of age (Florida driver’s license, state ID, or birth certificate)
- 2025 Federal Income Tax Return (Form 1040) for everyone living in the home
- Any other income documents (Social Security award letter, pension statements, etc.)
- Completed Household Income Sworn Statement (DR-501SC) — you can fill it online in the portal.
- Review every page carefully.
- Click Submit.
- Save or screenshot your confirmation number.
You will get an immediate confirmation. A letter from the office arrives in 4–6 weeks. Once approved, it shows on your next TRIM notice and property search record.
Paper Application (If You Prefer to Mail It)
- Download these two forms from miamidadepa.gov:
- Property Tax Exemption Form (DR-501)
- Household Income Sworn Statement and Return (DR-501SC)
- Fill both forms completely.
- Attach:
- Proof of age (copy of driver’s license or birth certificate)
- Copy of 2025 tax returns for all household members
- Any other income proofs
- Mail everything to: Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser P.O. Box 013140 Miami, FL 33101-3140
Long-Term Resident Senior Exemption (Extra Benefit)
If you have lived in the same home for 25 years or more AND the home’s just (market) value is under $250,000 in the first year you apply, you may qualify for even more savings. Select it in the online portal or note it on the paper form.
Pro Tips from Seniors I Have Helped
- Apply at the same time as homestead if you are new or just turned 65.
- Keep copies of your 2025 tax returns — you will need them every year if your income changes.
- If your income is close to $38,686, double-check every line of your tax return.
- Once approved, it stays active automatically — you only need to update if your income goes over the limit or you move.
- Check your property record after approval to make sure “Senior Exemption” shows under exemptions.
Warning: Giving false information about age or income can cancel your homestead exemption and cause back taxes + penalties.
Helpful Resources & Direct Links
- Apply Online for Senior Exemption – https://apps.miamidadepa.gov/PA.OnlineExemptions/
- Senior Exemption Page (official) – https://www.miamidadepa.gov/pa/exemption/senior.page
- Download DR-501 & DR-501SC Forms – Search on miamidadepa.gov
- Property Search Tool (check status) – https://apps.miamidadepa.gov/propertysearch/#/
- Main Phone for Questions – 305-375-4712
Common Questions Seniors Ask
Q: Do I need homestead first?
A: Yes — the Senior Exemption is added on top of homestead.
Q: What counts as household income?
A: Adjusted Gross Income from your 2025 federal tax return for everyone living in the home (including Social Security, pensions, etc.).
Q: What if my income is a little over $38,686?
A: You do not qualify that year. Try again next year if your income drops.
Q: How much will I actually save?
A: It depends on your millage rate and home value, but most Miami-Dade seniors save $500–$1,500+ per year with this extra exemption.
Q: I already have homestead — do I need to do anything?
A: Yes, you still need to apply once for the Senior Exemption.
My Personal Promise to You
I personally read every single message and comment that comes through this site. If you are 65+, confused about the income limit, need help with the forms, or want me to check if you qualify, send me your folio number or full property address.
I will reply with clear, official-based help — free and fast.
This guide is updated daily. Bookmark this page and the official application portal.
Last updated: February 24, 2026
Written & maintained by: Raj Patel Florida Property Tax Expert Also runs PascoCountyPropertyAppraiser.us and BrevardCountyPropertyAppraiser.us
Thank you for trusting this independent guide. If you are a senior in Miami-Dade, you deserve every extra dollar of tax savings you can get in 2026.