By Cregg E. Dalton, Citrus County Property Appraiser

As Veterans Day approaches, I am reminded once again of the deep pride and gratitude I carry for those who have served our nation. I am a proud third-generation military veteran; my grandfather served as a U.S. Army officer and was a Purple Heart recipient during World War II, my father is a U.S. Air Force Vietnam veteran, and I had the privilege of serving in the U.S. Navy.

Service runs deep in my family, the Citrus County Property Appraisers Office, and in the community we serve. Here at the Citrus County Property Appraiser’s Office, we are honored to have five military veterans on our team, along with several employees who have spouses or children currently serving or who have served in the Armed Forces.

Veterans Day is observed each year on November 11, a date rich in symbolism and history. In 1954, Congress passed a bill signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day. The day honors all military veterans of the United States Armed Forces and marks the armistice that ended major hostilities of World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.

While Veterans Day gives us time to reflect and express gratitude, it’s also an opportunity to ensure our local veterans and their families are aware of important benefits available to them. Disabled veterans and surviving spouses of disabled veterans who were Florida residents at the time of death may be eligible for property tax exemptions.

Below is a summary of several key Florida statutes that may provide tax relief for qualifying veterans and their families:

Florida Statute 196.24: tax exemption for veterans awarded 10% (or higher) military disability or the surviving spouse of the described veteran.

Veterans who were honorably discharged and have a service-connected disability of 10% or higher may qualify for a $5,000 reduction in the assessed value of their homesteaded property.

This exemption helps lessen the property tax obligation for those who sustained injuries or illnesses during their service. To apply, veterans must submit a VA award letter confirming at least a 10% service-connected disability.

The benefit also extends to an unremarried surviving spouse of an eligible veteran, provided the veteran was a Florida resident at the time of death and the spouse continues to reside on the property as their homestead.  While $5,000 may seem modest, for many veterans, especially those living on fixed incomes, it represents meaningful recognition of their service and sacrifice.

Florida Statute 196.082: tax exemption for combat disabled veterans who are age 65 and older or the surviving spouse of the described Florida resident veteran. To qualify, the veteran must provide proof of age, an official letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs stating the percentage of their service-connected disability, documentation confirming the disability is combat-related, and a copy of their honorable discharge paperwork.

If a qualified veteran passes away, the surviving spouse may continue receiving the same property tax discount, provided they hold title to the homestead, continue to live there permanently, and do not remarry.

Should the surviving spouse sell or otherwise dispose of the property, the discount; up to the amount granted on the most recent tax roll, may be transferred to a new primary residence, as long as it is used as their homestead and the spouse remains unmarried.

Florida Statute 196.081: tax exemption for Florida resident veterans with a service-connected total and permanent disability exemption for veterans or the surviving spouse of a veteran who died while on active duty.

Veterans who were honorably discharged and have been declared totally and permanently disabled due to service-connected conditions are eligible for a full exemption on their homesteaded property.

This means no ad valorem taxes are owed on the home, offering lifelong financial relief and stability for those who have given the most in service to their country.

Surviving spouses of veterans who died while on active duty may also qualify for this complete exemption, provided they remain unremarried and continue to use the property as their primary residence.

This exemption reflects Florida’s deep respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice and ensures their families are supported and honored.

We’re Here to Help

The Citrus County Property Appraiser’s Office is proud to serve those who have served us. Veterans and surviving spouses who believe they may qualify for one of these exemptions are encouraged to contact our Customer Service Department at (352) 341-6600 or visit www.citruspa.org to use our live chat feature during business hours.

To all veterans and their families; thank you for your courage, service, and sacrifice. Your strength and example remind us every day of what it truly means to serve something greater than ourselves.