Proposing an amendment to Section 6 of Article VII and the creation of Section 32 of Article XII of the state Constitution to expand the availability of the property discount on the homesteads of veterans who became disabled as the result of a combat injury to include those who were not Florida residents when they entered the military and schedule the amendment to take effect January 1, 2013.
Ballot Summary
Proposing an amendment to Section 6 of Article VII and the creation of Section 32 of Article XII of the State Constitution to expand the availability of the property discount on the homesteads of veterans who became disabled as the result of a combat injury to include those who were not Florida residents when they entered the military and schedule the amendment to take effect January 1, 2013.
Explanation
The proposed measure would allow for property tax discounts for disabled veterans. This bill explicitly extends the rights to ad valorem tax discounts, made available in 2010 to all veterans who were residents of Florida prior to their service, to all combat-disabled veterans currently living in Florida whether they were residents prior to their service or not.
Under current law, disabled veterans who were Florida residents at the time they entered the service can be granted property tax relief up to the full value of their home. This change would eliminate the requirement that veterans must have been Florida residents prior to joining the services. Expected revenue loss to local governments is $2.4 million in 13-14, increasing to $7.6 million recurring by 16-17.