§ 23-42. Grant of second additional homestead exemption to certain persons 65 or older.

(a)

The board of county commissioners hereby grants an additional homestead exemption equal to the property's assessed value to any person who has attained the age of 65 by January 1 of the year in which they are applying for the exemption, and who meets the following requirements:

(1)

The applicant holds legal or equitable title to homestead real property with a must (market) value less than $250,000.00; and

(2)

The applicant has maintained thereon permanent residence as the owner of the property for no less than 25 years; and

(3)

The applicant's household income does not exceed $27,030.00, or such other amount as may be annually adjusted by the Florida Department of Revenue.

(b)

The exemption set forth in subsection (a) shall be in addition to, and shall not replace, the exemption provided for in section 23-41 of the Monroe County Code.

(c)

The exemption set forth in subsection (a) of this section applies only to taxes levied by the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners.

(d)

Any taxpayer claiming the exemption granted in subsection (a) of this section must annually submit to the property appraiser, not later than March 1, a sworn statement of household income on a form prescribed by the department of revenue. Upon request of the property appraiser, supporting documentation may be requested and due no later than June 1. Failure to file either the sworn statement or supporting documentation shall mean a waiver of the exemption for that year.

(e)

This additional exemption shall be available commencing with the 2013 tax roll and shall continue with all subsequent tax rolls. The property appraiser may begin accepting applications and sworn statements for the year 2013 tax roll as soon as the appropriate forms are available from the department of revenue.

( Ord. No. 030-2013, § 1 )

State law reference

Authority for above exemption, F.S. § 196.075.