HIALEAH, FL - March 2, 2026 - Mayor Bryan Calvo accomplished what many elected officials believed was impossible: The removal of the City of Hialeah’s portion of property taxes for thousands of Hialeah seniors without impacting city services.
“For years, seniors were told it couldn’t be done. They were told the only solution was to go to Tallahassee, to wait on legislation, to accept that relief was out of reach,” Mayor Calvo said. “But we didn’t accept that answer. We found a way.”
Approved by the City Council last week, the measure will deliver property tax relief to approximately 6,635 families, representing nearly 21% of Hialeah residents or nearly 1 in 5 families. An average check of $539 is being sent to qualified seniors.
Eligible seniors will now be able to remain in their homes without the burden of the City’s portion of property taxes, a change designed to protect seniors living on fixed incomes.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age 65 or older
- Annual income of $37,694 or less
- Must meet Homestead Exemption requirements
The City of Hialeah will provide a property tax relief check by end of March to qualifying residents.
Mayor Calvo’s approach marks a significant policy innovation, demonstrating how municipal leadership can deliver large-scale tax relief without external mandates or fiscal disruption.
This is an achievement that should be modeled across the State of Florida. While most cities rely on state mandates or budget increases to provide tax relief, Hialeah implemented a budget-neutral solution with no additional tax or cuts in services.
By making pension payments early, the City eliminated approximately $1.2 million in projected interest costs, redirecting those internal savings directly to senior residents.
Mayor Calvo concluded, “This is proof that local government can find solutions when others say it can’t be done.”
Media Contact
Ana Isabel Hume, Chief Communications Officer, Office of Mayor Bryan Calvo, City of Hialeah · 786-221-6165 · aihume@hialeahfl.gov
About the City of Hialeah
The City of Hialeah, incorporated in 1925, is the sixth largest municipality in Florida, serving over 233,000 residents living in approximately 20-square miles. Hialeah, located in NW Miami-Dade County, has a Hispanic population of over 94%. A working class community, Hialeah is viewed as an industrial city that continues to grow. “The City of Progress” as known to many, is home to many Cuban exiles. The City of Hialeah is a full service city offering quality and affordable services to residents of all ages and abilities. Hialeah is a vibrant, family-oriented community marked by cultural heritage and traditions known for its myriad of mom and pop stores which productively compete against national retail and restaurant chains and franchises.