Two Florida legislators teamed up Tuesday, the day before Veterans Day, to showcase a proposal allowing new residents who are the surviving spouses of disabled veterans to take advantage of the state’s homestead exemptions for vets.
State Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, and Florida Rep. Bill Hager, R-Boca Raton, proposed the bill that “exempts surviving unremarried spouses of certain deceased veterans from payment of ad valorem taxes for certain homesteads in this state, irrespective of the state in which the veteran's homestead was located at time of death, if certain conditions are met.”
Brandes noted his own service and said the proposal would be a fitting way to honor veterans and their families.
“As a combat veteran I have seen first-hand 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."
“Florida is known as one of the most military and veteran friendly states,” Hager said. “We welcome those coming to Florida, whether for a job or to retire here, to be with their children or grandchildren. 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.”
In the Senate, Brandes filed his bill Tuesday while Hager did the same in the House on Monday.
Brandes is not alone in his contention that Florida is the friendliest state for veterans. With Veterans Day Wednesday, a new report from Florida TaxWatch looked at services the Sunshine State offers the 1.6 million veterans who call Florida home.
“Florida is proud of the brave servicemen and women who have chosen to build their lives and raise their families in the Sunshine State,” said Dominic Calabro, the president and CEO of Florida TaxWatch, on Tuesday. “Our Legislature and governor have recognized the importance of giving back to those who have sacrificed for us, and their commitment has resulted in Florida becoming the most veteran-friendly state in America.
“Florida TaxWatch is pleased to honor and thank Florida veterans for their service,” Calabro added.
The report, which can be read here, showcased “Florida’s GI Bill” passed in 2014 to help veterans with education and job assistance while extending drivers licenses and providing other services.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
