Laws vary from state to state, but property tax is often a locally assessed and locally administered tax (by counties)—and in those states there is no state property tax. Property tax brings in the most money of all taxes available to local government to pay for schools, roads, police and firemen, emergency response services, libraries, parks, and other services provided by local government.

Most states offer a variety of partial or total (absolute) exemptions from appraised property values used to determine local property taxes. A partial exemption removes a percentage or a fixed dollar amount of a property's value from taxation. A total (absolute) exemption excludes the entire property from taxation. Taxing units (government entities) may be required by the state to offer certain (mandatory) exemptions and have the option to decide locally on whether or not to offer others (local option).

Exemptions from property tax usually require the taxpayer to apply for the exemption. Applications for property tax exemptions are filed with appraisal districts, and deadlines may vary. Appraisal district chief appraisers are responsible for determining whether a property qualifies for an exemption.
Exemptions are usually located in a state’s tax code (statutes) and exemption requirements are often extensive. Property owners should read these statutes carefully.

Common exemptions are for properties that qualify as a residence homestead or are eligible for charitable, religious, or agricultural exemptions, as provided by the state’s tax laws. Disabled persons, senior citizens (age 65 or older), veterans, and surviving spouses of veterans who were killed in action (KIA) are also eligible for exemptions in some states.

In Florida, property tax is primarily a local government revenue source, with counties typically handling the assessment and administration of these taxes. There is no state property tax in Florida. Property taxes fund essential local services such as schools, infrastructure, public safety, and recreational facilities. Florida law provides for various exemptions that can reduce the taxable value of property, including partial and total exemptions. Common exemptions include those for homestead properties, which is a residence owned by a person who makes it their permanent home. Other exemptions may be available for charitable, religious, or agricultural properties, as well as for disabled individuals, senior citizens, veterans, and surviving spouses of veterans. To benefit from these exemptions, property owners must apply through their local appraisal district, and deadlines for applications can vary. The chief appraiser of the appraisal district determines qualification for exemptions. The specifics of these exemptions, including eligibility criteria and application procedures, are detailed in Florida's tax statutes. Property owners should review these statutes or consult with an attorney to understand the exemptions for which they may be eligible.