Janelle Irwin Taylor
State Sen. Jeff Brandes filed a bill Tuesday that would allow spouses of now-deceased veterans moving to Florida from other states to receive the Florida veteran homestead exemption.
Currently, those individuals cannot take advantage of the exemption. Senate Bill 804 would change that.
“As a combat veteran I have seen firsthand the incredible sacrifice spouses make when their husband or wife is deployed overseas,” Brandes said. “Extending this property tax benefit to surviving spouses is a small acknowledgment of those sacrifices made for this country, and it further solidifies Florida’s status as the most veteran friendly state in the nation.”
State Rep. Bill Hager of Boca Raton is sponsoring the bill in the House. It came up after a constituent explained to him that she was denied the exemption when she moved to Florida from California to be closer to her children and grandchildren after her husband’s passing.
She told Hager her husband served our nation, not California. Hager agreed and later filed House Bill 611 to ensure such widows are accommodated.
“Florida is known as one of the most military and veteran friendly states. We welcome those coming to Florida, whether for a job or to retire here, to be with their children or grandchildren,” Hager said. “Allowing surviving spouses an exemption on their property taxes, as if the veteran had lived here, is the least we can do to thank them for their service to our Country.”
The move comes appropriately on the eve of Veterans Day.
