What counts as combat-related?

Nobody has defined it. It is undefined in §196.082, in every implementing rule, and on the form that asks about it. This is a genuine gap in Florida law, not something we are withholding.

Can I have this and the full §196.081 exemption?

The full total and permanent exemption takes your ad valorem bill to zero, so this discount would have nothing left to reduce. Most veterans eligible for both simply use §196.081.

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Combat-Related Disability Discount for Veterans Age 65 and Older

Reduces the taxable value of your homestead by the percentage of your combat-related disability rating.

Verified August 15, 2026

What this benefit is

A percentage discount for veterans aged 65 and over whose disability is combat-related. If you are rated 40% combat-related, your taxable value drops by 40%.

The statute frames this in subsection (1) as a discount on the tax owed, and implements it in subsection (6) as a reduction in taxable value. Subsection (6) is the operative one, and it is applied after your other homestead exemptions.

What it's worth: A reduction in taxable value equal to your disability percentage

§196.082(1) frames this as a discount on tax owed; §196.082(6) implements it as a reduction in taxable value. Subsection (6) is operative.
Applied after your other homestead exemptions.

Who is entitled to it

A veteran aged 65 or older on January 1 of the tax year.
Honorably discharged, with a partial or total permanent service-connected disability.
Where the disability is combat-related.
Who owns and lives in the Florida home as their homestead.

Not sure whether that describes you?

Answer a few questions about this benefit specifically — we only ask what this one actually depends on, and we stop as soon as we know.

The thing most people get wrong

Any percentage counts, but it must be permanent

Unlike §196.081, this one does key on your percentage — and there is no minimum. A 10% combat-related rating produces a 10% reduction. What it does require is that the disability be permanent. Two adjacent statutes in the same chapter treat the same veteran on entirely different tests.

How to claim it

Deadline: March 1

1Get a VA letter showing your combined rating and that the disability is permanent.
2File Form DR-501DV with your county property appraiser.

Form: DR-501DV
File with: Your county property appraiser
Documents you will need: va rating decision · proof of combat relatedness · proof of age
Renews automatically: Renewal behaviour varies by county for this record. Confirm with your appraiser.; Staying silent after a change can cost 10 years of back taxes plus 15%/yr interest and a 50% penalty.

You can file before your VA letter arrives.

Walk me through it

Common mistakes that cost people this benefit

Assuming you need a high rating. Any percentage produces a proportional discount.
Not applying because you cannot prove "combat-related". Neither the statute nor any implementing rule defines the term, and the DR-501DV asks the question without defining it. Apply and let the appraiser decide.
Assuming it renews like its chapter 196 siblings. Renewal behaviour for this one varies by county and is unconfirmed. Ask.

Known gap"Combat-related" is undefined in §196.082 and in every implementing rule. The DR-501DV asks the question without defining it.

Your county may differWhether every county auto-renews this exemption is unconfirmed. Ask your appraiser.

Questions people ask

What counts as combat-related?: Nobody has defined it. It is undefined in §196.082, in every implementing rule, and on the form that asks about it. This is a genuine gap in Florida law, not something we are withholding.
Can I have this and the full §196.081 exemption?: The full total and permanent exemption takes your ad valorem bill to zero, so this discount would have nothing left to reduce. Most veterans eligible for both simply use §196.081.

Sources

authority · statuteFla. Stat. §196.082
operating · fee scheduleForm DR-501DV

This finder provides an informational match, not a government eligibility determination. The responsible agency decides your application.