Florida provides various property tax benefits for active duty military and veterans, but it is important to understand the qualification requirements for each of these benefits.
Section 196.173, Fla. Stat., provides that a current or former member of the military may receive an exemption if he or she was deployed during the prior calendar year outside of the U.S. The exemption available correlates to the deployment period.
Section 196.24, Fla. Stat., is available to disabled veterans who became disabled due to misfortune or while serving during wartime. The value of this exemption is a $5,000 reduction on assessed value and may carry over to a surviving spouse.
Sections 196.081 and 196.091, Fla. Stat., provide that veterans may qualify for a total ad valorem property tax exemption if they are totally and permanently disabled, or confined to a wheelchair. This exemption also may be available to surviving spouses.
Section 196.082, Fla. Stat., provides exemptions to veterans who are at least 65 years old and totally or partially and permanently disabled. This property tax discount is a percentage equal to the percentage of disability as determined by the US Department of Veteran Affairs.
The Florida Department of Revenue has issued Notice PT109 with more information on property tax exemptions and discounts available for veterans.
Happy Veterans Day!
Jeanette Moffa, Esq.
Phone: (954) 800-4138
Email: [email protected]
Jeanette Moffa is a Partner in the Fort Lauderdale office of Moffa, Sutton, & Donnini. She focuses her practice in Florida state and local tax. Jeanette provides SALT planning and consulting as part of her practice, addressing issues such as nexus and taxability, including exemptions, inclusions, and exclusions of transactions from the tax base. In addition, Jeanette practices Florida tax controversy, working with state and local agencies in resolution of assessment and refund cases. She also litigates state and local tax and administrative law issues.
