Tax exemption available for disabled first responders

The Okeechobee County Property Appraiser's Office is accepting applications for an additional exemption for permanently disabled Florida first responders until Aug. 1.

Property appraiser Mickey Bandi said the voters approved a constitution amendment in the November 2016 general election and the Florida legislature completed the implementation language and directions for the property appraiser in the 2017 session.

The exemption provides additional ad valorem tax relief on a homestead property for a Florida first responder who is permanently disabled as a result of an injury in the line of duty.

Mr. Bandi said he has gotten three inquiries from disabled first responders and expects more in the future.

First responders are defined as law enforcement officers, corrections guards, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and paramedics.

Bandi said the additional exemption would have a negligible impact on the property tax base.

"We do appreciate the service of all our first responders," he added.

The first responder must have been employed by a Florida agency to qualify.

It is a 100 percent total ad valorem tax exemption, Bandi added. The first responder must still pay assessments like garbage and fire.

The exemption language states any real estate that is owned and used as a homestead by a person who has a total and permanent disability as a result of an injury or injuries sustained in the line of duty while serving as a first responder in this state or during an operation in another state or country authorized by this state or a political subdivision of this state is exempt from taxation if the first responder is a permanent resident of this state on Jan. 1 of the year for which the exemption is being claimed.

The Property Appraiser invited anyone eligible or anyone with questions to stop by his office at 307 N.W. Fifth Ave., Suite A, call them at 863-763-4422, or email them at info@okeechobee PA.com.