Being a senior citizen in Florida comes with a lot of advantages. It is also worth mentioning that Florida is known as a “retirement destination”, and as a result, many facilities and services are geared towards retirees such as golf courses, health care centers, and assisted living communities. Many restaurants and businesses offer discounts for senior citizens. Age-restricted communities are also available for aging adults to live in, where they can be surrounded by people their own age and enjoy activities and amenities catering to their needs and interests.
The age at which one is considered a senior citizen in Florida is generally between 60-65 years of age, it however varies depending on the context. For example, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs defines a senior citizen as someone who is 60 years of age or older. Here are some age specifications for different aging adults’ recognition and benefits.
Government Programs
For most government programs and services, the age of eligibility for senior citizen status is 60. This includes programs such as the Department of Elder Affairs, the Area Agency on Aging, and the Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program.
Property Tax
For property tax purposes, an individual who is 65 or above may qualify for a homestead exemption, which can lower the property tax bill. Additionally, individuals over the age of 65 may also qualify for a widow/widower exemption or a disability exemption.
Health Insurance
In terms of health insurance, individuals who are over the age of 65 are eligible for Medicare, which is a federal health insurance program. Medicare is generally considered the primary insurance for aging adults and is often used in conjunction with private insurance.
Driving
In terms of driving, Florida law does not impose any specific age-based restrictions on senior citizens, however, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) recommends that drivers over the age of 80 take a vision test when renewing their driver’s license.
Medicaid Program
In terms of the Florida Medicaid program, it is based on income and assets, so the age range may vary depending on the financial situation of the individual. The State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (SPAP) is also based on income and assets, it is available for aging adults who are not eligible for Medicaid and have difficulty affording the cost of their prescription drugs.
List of Other Benefits
Below is a summary of some of the aging adults’ benefits and recognition with their eligible ages:
- Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program: 60 years or above
- Homestead Exemption (property tax): 65 years or above
- Widow/widower exemption (property tax): 65 years or above
- Disability exemption (property tax): 65 years or above
- Medicare: 65 years or above
- Florida Medicaid: Eligibility based on income and assets
- State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (SPAP): Eligibility based on income and assets
- State of Florida’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program: Any resident of long-term care facility regardless of their age
- Elderhostel program: 55 and above.
- Florida Legal Services program(Elder Justice): 60 years or above.
- Department of Elder Affairs: 60 years or above.
- Area Agency on Aging: 60 years or above.
