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Disabled Veterans’ Property Tax Discount

In the November 2006 general election, Florida voters approved an amendment to the State Constitution relating to the homestead exemption for disabled veterans. Veterans who qualify may receive a percentage discount on homestead property taxes equal to the percentage of the veteran’s permanent service connected disability as determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

The amendment provides a property tax discount on the homesteaded property of veterans who meet the following criteria with documented proof:

• Have an honorable discharge from military service
• Are at least 65 years old
• Are partially disabled with a permanent service-connected disability. All or a portion of such disability must be combat related.
• Were a resident of Florida at the time they entered the military.

Applications must be received by the county property appraiser no later than March 1.

Example: A qualifying veteran owns a $250,000 homestead. The current assessed value by Save Our Homes assessment increase limitation is $150,000. The veteran qualifies for the disable ex-service member’s exemption ($5,000), and the homestead exemption ($25,000). Prior to the application of the disabled veterans’ discount, the taxable value would be $120,000. If the veteran is 60% disabled, the discounted amount that is certified to the Tax Collector is $72,000 ($120,000 x 0.60). The taxable amount certified to the Tax Collector will be $48,000.