After reading the first blog entry in this three-part series, you should know that you may qualify for a property tax reduction or complete exemption if you are a completely and totally disabled veteran limited to wheelchair use, a quadriplegic or suffer complete blindness. If you do not qualify for the complete veterans’ exemption, you may qualify for a different homestead exemption through another homestead program.
The state offers blind or disabled widowers and widows a limited exemption of up to $500 each year. Blind widows or widowers must obtain a certificate of eligibility from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the Department of Education’s Division of Blind Services or through the local Social Security Administration substantiating their lack of sight.
The state also offers other residents a partial homestead exemption. The partial homestead exemption is available to any resident who owned real property in Florida as of Jan. 1 annually. All homeowners receive up to a $25,000 local tax exemption through the Florida Department of Revenue and another $25,000 exemption for local school and district taxes. Qualified veterans with disabilities affecting at least 10 percent of their bodies or vision suffered through war-related or service-related injuries may qualify for an additional monetary exemption in addition to the $50,000 exemption.
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