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There were a number of amendments on the 2012 General Election Ballot on November 6 relating to property taxes. Below is a brief summary of each amendment and its outcome:
AMENDMENT 2
Expands the availability of the property tax discount for homesteaded veterans disabled in combat to include those who were not Florida residents when they entered the military. PASSED
AMENDMENT 4
Creates an additional homestead exemption for those who have not owned a homesteaded property in Florida in the previous three calendar years. The additional exemption would be equal to 50 percent of the homestead’s just value the first year and may not exceed the median just value of homesteaded property in the county. The exemption would be reduced 20% each subsequent year and end in five years or when the home is sold; whichever is first. (This would apply to all levies except school district levies.) Also reduces the limitation on annual changes in assessments of non-homesteaded real property from 10 percent to 5 percent. Allows the Legislature to prohibit an increase in the capped assessed value on homesteaded and certain non-homesteaded property if the just (market) value decreases from the prior year. DID NOT PASS
AMENDMENT 9
Authorizes the Florida Legislature to provide a partial or total exemption from property taxes on homesteaded property of the surviving spouse of a military veteran or first responder killed in action. PASSED
AMENDMENT 10
Provides an exemption from ad valorem taxes on tangible personal property if the assessed value of the property is greater than $25,000 but less than $50,000. This is in addition to the current TPP exemption. Also, authorizes a county or municipality to provide additional TPP exemptions by ordinance. DID NOT PASS
AMENDMENT 11
Authorizes the Florida Legislature to allow counties and municipalities to grant another additional homestead exemption for low income seniors 65 and older who have lived in their homes for at least 25 years. The exemption could exempt all assessed value on properties with a market value less than $250,000. PASSED