What benefits do seniors get in florida

Q: What age is considered a Senior citizen in the state of Florida?

The Florida Senate (1) As used in this section: (a) Senior citizen” means a person who is 60 years of age or older.

When retirees or soon-to-be retirees begin talking about where they want to hang up their hats, retiring to Florida is one of the most appealing options for its sunshine, beaches and carefree lifestyle. But did you know that retirement living in Florida can also be very friendly to the wallet?

Table of Contents Show

Housing Resources
Government Aid
Driving Information
Health Information
Law Resources
Locate Senior Centers
Other Help
Additional Ways to Find Information
Can seniors get cash assistance in Florida?
What age is considered a Senior citizen in the state of Florida?
What are the Nine benefits for senior citizens?
Are there any extra benefits for senior citizens?

Before we get into the financials, let's talk a little more about the obvious: The benefits of retiring in Florida are many for seniors. Its climate is certainly near the top. They don't call it "The Sunshine State" for nothing. The (mostly) pleasant weather aside, it's also a state known to have the most golf courses per capita in the nation. Need a buddy to do all that golfing with? Florida also has the highest percentage of people aged 65 and over of any state.

Also important to seniors is the tremendous number of healthcare options available in Florida. The entire state is peppered with providers, both well-known hospital brands like the Cleveland Clinic in Weston and the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, as well as highly ranked hospitals like the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Medical Center and Tampa General Hospital. The benefit of all these medical providers goes above and beyond simply having numerous options; because of the competition, the quality of health care in the state benefits in a great way.

Now, let's get into the important stuff: Protecting your precious finances.

Florida is known for its low taxes, and more specifically, having no state income tax. This means that Social Security retirement benefits, pension income and income from IRAs or a 401(k) are all untaxed. Florida also has no estate or inheritance tax, and property and sales tax rates are close to the national averages.

According to a 2016 study by Kiplinger, the median property tax on homes is slightly below the national average. Plus, residents are eligible for a homestead exemption of as much as $50,000. Some city and county governments give residents age 65 and older who meet certain income limits an additional homestead exemption of as much as $50,000.

Another benefit of Florida retirement? The Sunshine State also boasts one of the highest number of continuing care retirement communities – or CCRCs – in the nation. CCRCs can help secure your finances by securing your future healthcare needs. Those with life care plans actually prepay tomorrow's healthcare in today's dollars, freeing you to enjoy life today more freely without those burdens. Learn more about retiring in a Florida Acts community.

With the numerous benefits and advantages of retiring in Florida, it's easy to see why the state has been such a popular retirement destination for a long time.

Family & Relationships
Senior Citizens
Senior Services and Assistance Programs

Marcelina Hardy, MSEd, BCC

Marcelina is a prolific freelance writer with years of experience in counseling and coaching.

Learn about our Editorial Policy.

Out of all the states in the U.S., where you can find senior citizen assistance, Florida is one of the most resourceful ones out there. It's no wonder that many retirees flock to this warm and sunny state to spend the rest of their lives.

Housing Resources

Senior Housing Locator

Do you need help finding housing? Try this site for assisted living, residential care, independent living, retirement living, nursing care, rehabilitation, Continuing Care Retirement Communities, or multi-level care facilities.

Department of Elder Affairs

This is another helpful site for housing options for people 55 years or older.

Government Aid

Benefits Checkup

Benefits Checkup is a great website for older adults. You can take the online questionnaire to find out which benefit programs you qualify for and if you are eligible for Medicare's Extra Help program to help pay for prescription medications.

Driving Information

Florida Mature Driver Program

Did you know you could get a discount on your auto insurance by taking the Six-Hour Florida Mature Driver Program? Go to this site to find out more about this benefit.

Florida Grand Driver

Are you concerned about your loved one's driving abilities or about your own? Go to this website to find programs in your area for driving evaluations and other driving tests.

Florida Senior Safety Resource Center

This site has information on where to live, where to receive help, and learn about issues that may be affecting you or your loved one.

Care.com Care.com has many resources, but this specific web page gives you alternate transportation options if you have stopped driving.

Health Information

Health Finder

Mental health help is widely available throughout the state, find links to mental health services, the National Alliance of Mental Illness, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration on this webpage.If you go to the homepage of this site, you will find additional information about many more health related topics, finding doctors in your area and ways to manage your health.

Law Resources

Boyer & Jackson, P.A. Elder Law Attorneys

Do you need law assistance? On this site, you will find links to The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Academy of Florida Elder Law Attorneys, The Florida Bar Elder Law Section, Special Needs Alliance, and sites for information on guardianship, caregivers, and elder abuse.

Locate Senior Centers

Senior Centers

These are great places to meet people, join activities, go on outings, and take advantage of services such as Meals on Wheels.

Other Help

Florida Department of Elder Affairs

The Department of Elder Affairs website offers many resources for senior citizen assistance in Florida. You can learn about the Adult Care Food Program, information on what to do during a storm, service directories, resource guides, a list of resource centers and so much more!

State of Florida.com

This website has a great list of resources for its older residents. Find phone numbers to help lines in counties with largely dense elderly populations, information on senior centers, and so much more.

Florida Council on Aging

This helpful website has information on discounts at area stores and links to other great information.

Senior Mag

This site has information on the aging centers around the state, assisted living, residence care, healthcare agencies and wellness topics such as

Senior Resource Alliance

This site caters to central Florida residents.

Additional Ways to Find Information

Start by looking for "Senior Citizen Assistance, Florida" in the phone book. You can also find information in places like senior centers or government agencies.

Can seniors get cash assistance in Florida?

The Optional State Supplementation (OSS) Program provides monthly cash payments to indigent elderly or disabled individuals who live in special non-institutional, residential living facilities, including assisted living facilities, adult family care homes and mental health residential treatment facilities.

What age is considered a Senior citizen in the state of Florida?

The Florida Senate (1) As used in this section: (a) “Senior citizen” means a person who is 60 years of age or older.

What are the Nine benefits for senior citizens?

9 Senior Citizen Benefits (Perks of Being a Senior).

Entertainment Discounts..

Travel Perks..

Early Bird Specials for Seniors..

Secondary Education..

Senior Citizen Medical Benefits..

Local Transportation Assistance..

Lower Gym Membership Rates..

Tax Breaks..

Are there any extra benefits for senior citizens?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) SSI is a federal government program that provides a monthly cash benefit for the elderly (age 65 and over), blind, or disabled of any age who have extremely low income and very few resources.