“Ask Lori…Parrish on Appraisal”
Broward County Property Appraiser Lori Parrish Answers Your Questions…
“Florida Voters Approve New Tax Savings for Eligible Homesteaders!”
Dear Lori,
Can you tell me what new state constitutional amendments passed and what it means for eligible property owners?
V.K., Plantation, (via email)
Florida voters in November approved three new state constitutional amendments which create additional homestead tax savings for eligible property owners. Some of the changes take effect immediately for the 2013 tax year. Other portions first require the Florida Legislature and local governments to enact changes in law before the additional benefits can be carried out.
Combat-Disabled Veterans This amendment deletes the requirement a veteran had to be a Florida resident at the time of entering military service to receive a Veteran Property Tax Discount. This exemption, which takes effect immediately for 2013, provides an additional property tax discount on the homesteaded property of partially or totally permanently disabled veteran, age 65 or older as of January 1, and whose disability was combat related.
Surviving Spouses of First Responders Who Die in the Line of Duty This amendment allows the Legislature to provide property tax relief on homesteaded property to the surviving spouse of a veteran who died from service-connected causes on active duty or the surviving spouse of a first responder who died in the line of duty. The Legislature must adopt enabling statutes before this exemption becomes effective. Legislative action is expected by May 2013, which may permit eligible persons to apply these new saving starting in 2013.
Additional Homestead Tax Exemption for Seniors This allows counties or municipalities to grant either or both of the following:
· An exemption not exceeding $50,000 to any person who has the legal or equitable title to real estate; maintains their permanent residence on the property; is 65 or older; and whose household income does not exceed the income limitation; and/or
· An additional exemption equal to the assessed value of the property to an owner who has title to real estate in Florida with a just value less than $250,000; has maintained permanent residence on the property for not less than 25 years; is 65 or older and whose household income does not exceed the income limitation.
The income limitation for 2012 is a Household Adjusted Gross Income of no more than $27,030 (adjusted annually), the State will determine the 2013 limitation in January 2013.
If you would like more information about property tax exemptions, exemption filing, assessments, community outreach events, homebound visits, please visit our website at www.bcpa.net or contact our office directly at 954.445.6830.
Sincerely,
Lori Parrish, CFA
If you have a question for Lori, please email her at lori@bcpa.net or write to her at the Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office, 115 South Andrews Avenue, Room 111, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. (December, 2012)
