Free, plain-English help for seniors and families in Florida. Education, not advice. Verify before you rely on it.
Start here (works anywhere in Florida)
- 211 (dial 2-1-1) for local rent, utility, food, and medical help, 24/7
- Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116, the federal front door to your Area Agency on Aging
- BenefitsCheckUp.org screens you for every benefit you may qualify for
- Medicare 1-800-633-4227 | Social Security 1-800-772-1213 | VA Benefits 1-800-827-1000
- Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900 | National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311 | Crisis Lifeline 988
Free Medicare counseling (Florida SHINE)
Florida's program is SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders), run by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and delivered through the state's Aging and Disability Resource Centers. Free, unbiased one-on-one Medicare help: 1-800-963-5337 (the statewide Elder Helpline, 1-800-96-ELDER). Online: floridashine.org.
Medicaid in Florida
Florida Medicaid is administered by the Agency for Health Care Administration, with eligibility handled by the Department of Children and Families (ACCESS Florida). Apply online any time at myaccess.myflfamilies.com, or call 1-866-762-2237. Paper applications can be mailed, faxed, or dropped at a local service center.
Prescription help
Florida does not run a statewide pharmaceutical assistance program (SPAP) for general seniors. Start with Medicare's Extra Help / Low-Income Subsidy (apply through Social Security, 1-800-772-1213) and screen for drug-cost programs at BenefitsCheckUp.org. SHINE counselors (1-800-963-5337) can walk you through Part D and Extra Help.
Energy and utility help
Florida's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is administered by FloridaCommerce and delivered through local community action agencies. Apply online at floridaliheap.com or call the LIHEAP call center at 1-833-273-9455 (1-833-CSD-WILL). To find your local provider, call 850-717-8450 or dial 2-1-1. Households with an elderly member get priority consideration.
Property tax relief (Florida)
Apply with your county property appraiser (general homestead deadline is March 1).
- Standard Homestead Exemption: up to $50,000 off assessed value for any qualifying primary residence, plus the Save Our Homes 3% annual assessment cap.
- Additional Low-Income Senior Exemption (age 65+): a local-option exemption that many, but not all, counties and cities have adopted. For 2026 it applies when at least one owner is 65+ and household adjusted gross income is at or below $38,686 (the limit is set annually by the Florida Department of Revenue). It can exempt up to an additional $50,000 of taxable value for county/city taxes (it does NOT reduce school taxes). A separate long-term-residency version may exempt the full value for seniors who have lived in the home 25+ years where the local government adopted it.
- File Form DR-501SC and ask your county property appraiser whether your county or city participates, because these senior exemptions are not offered everywhere.
Food, in-home help, caregiver, transportation, and legal help
Meals on Wheels, in-home aide services, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs caregiver support program, and senior transportation are reached through the statewide Elder Helpline 1-800-963-5337, the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116), or 211. For free civil legal help, contact your regional legal aid office (find it through 211 or the Eldercare Locator). For home repair, ask about USDA Section 504 grants for homeowners 62+ and county weatherization programs.
Frequently asked questions
What is Florida's SHINE program? SHINE is Florida's free Medicare counseling program from the Department of Elder Affairs. Reach a counselor at 1-800-963-5337.
Does Florida offer senior property tax relief? Yes. Every homesteaded owner can get up to $50,000 off plus the Save Our Homes cap. Seniors 65+ under the income limit ($38,686 for 2026) may qualify for an additional local-option exemption of up to $50,000, where their county or city has adopted it. File Form DR-501SC with your county property appraiser.
How do Florida seniors get help with electric bills? Through LIHEAP. Apply at floridaliheap.com or call 1-833-273-9455. Dial 2-1-1 to find your local community action agency.
How do I apply for Florida Medicaid? Online at myaccess.myflfamilies.com or by calling 1-866-762-2237 through the Department of Children and Families.
Sources
- Florida SHINE (Dept. of Elder Affairs): https://floridashine.org/ . Verified June 3, 2026.
- Florida Dept. of Children and Families, Medicaid / ACCESS: https://www.myflfamilies.com/medicaid and https://myaccess.myflfamilies.com/ . Verified June 3, 2026.
- FloridaCommerce LIHEAP: https://www.floridajobs.org/community-planning-and-development/community-services/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program . Verified June 3, 2026.
- Florida Dept. of Revenue, additional homestead exemption for persons 65+ (Form DR-501SC): https://floridarevenue.com/property/Pages/Taxpayers_Exemptions.aspx . Verified June 3, 2026.