Nassau County Seniors May Receive Additional Exemption

Property Appraiser's Office will begin accepting applications in Nassau County the first of the year.

Nassau County, FL – Some qualifying senior citizens are now eligible for an additional tax break. Amendment 11, voted on by Floridian’s last year, now makes it possible for low-income senior citizen’s to receive an additional property tax exemption.

Seniors who are 65 and older, have a household income of approximately less than $28,000, own a home with a market value less than $250,000, and have lived in the home for more than 25 years are eligible for the new exemption, which is equal to the assessed value of the homestead property.

“We currently have 605 seniors who qualify for the senior exemption,” said Public Information Officer Justin Taylor. “Based on our records, we anticipate about 150 properties would benefit from the additional exemption with a total impact to the County of roughly $80,000.”

If the other taxing authorities approve the ordinance, the estimated impact would be:
City of Fernandina: $20,000
Town of Callahan: $1,200
Town of Hilliard: $800

Nassau County Property Appraiser Mike Hickox believes this ordinance was much needed in assisting seniors. “I feel this would be a great benefit to those seniors on fixed incomes, struggling to pay taxes so they can remain in their homes,” said Hickox. “This saving will help those who need it most.”

The amendment originated in the Florida Legislature and passed by the Senate and House. The ordinance was brought forth to the Board of County Commissioners on October 14th and passed unanimously.

“Currently the BOCC is the only taxing authority to pass this ordinance, therefore, as of right now, this new exemption will be for the County portion of taxes only,”said Taylor.

The Property Appraiser’s Office will begin accepting applications the first of the year and the exemption will begin in 2014.