Q: What can you tell us about the proposed new exemption for first responders?
A: There is a proposed Constitutional Amendment that will appear on November ballots which seek to provide an additional homestead tax exemption for first responders of $50,000 on the assessed value of homes between $100,000 and $150,000. It would apply to property owned by classroom teachers, law enforcement officers, correctional officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, child welfare service professionals, active duty members of the US Armed Forces and Florida National Guard.
Q: How did this proposal come about?
A: State Sen. Jason Brodeur, R-Lake Mary, and State Rep. Josie Tomkow, R-Polk City, championed the bill in the Legislature, implementing HB 1563, companion bill HJR 1. If passed, it will create Florida Statute 196.077.
Since homestead exemption is in the Florida Constitution, exemptions must be passed by voters as Constitutional Amendments, which require at least 60 percent of the vote.
Q: What are the details of the proposed exemption?
A: It would provide an additional $50,000 homestead tax exemption on values between $100,000 – $150,000. It does not apply to school district levies and it applies only to property owned by individuals working in these certain enumerated professions. Applicants must be employed on Jan. 1 in a full-time position in one of the qualifying professions and annual applications will be mandatory.
Q: When would the exemption be effective?
A: It would be effective as of Jan. 1, 2023 if the amendment is approved by at least 60 percent of the voters at the November 2022 general election.
Q: What is the best way for our readers to contact you?
A: Our office is located at 4030 Lewis Speedway Ste. 203, (904) 827-5500. It is open Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Also, readers can email me at Eddie@sjcpa.us or call me at (904) 827-5500.
