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Florida Property Tax Exemption for Surviving Spouses, Amendment 9 (2012)
| Amendment 9 | |
 | |
| Quick stats | |
| Type: | Constitutional amendment |
| Constitution: | Florida Constitution |
| Referred by: | Florida State Legislature |
| Topic: | Taxes |
| Status: |  |
Contents |
Amendment 9, also known as the Florida Property Tax Exemption for Surviving Spouses, was on the November 6, 2012, state ballot in Florida as a legislatively-referred constitutional amendment, where it was approved. If this amendment authorized the legislature to totally or partially exempt surviving spouses of military veterans or first responders who died in the line of duty from paying property taxes. The measure was sponsored by state Representative Shawn Harrison.[1]
Election results
- See also: 2012 ballot measure election results
| Florida Amendment 9 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Result | Votes | Percentage | ||
| Yes | 4,747,536 | 61.68% | ||
| No | 2,950,083 | 38.32% | ||
These results are certified and final.
Results via the Florida Department of Election's website.
Text of measure
The official ballot text read as follows:[2]
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
ARTICLE VII, SECTION 6
ARTICLE XII, SECTION 32
HOMESTEAD PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR SURVIVING SPOUSE OF MILITARY VETERAN OR FIRST RESPONDER.—Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to authorize the Legislature to provide by general law ad valorem homestead property tax relief to the surviving spouse of a military veteran who died from service- connected causes while on active duty or to the surviving spouse of a first responder who died in the line of duty. The amendment authorizes the Legislature to totally exempt or partially exempt such surviving spouse's homestead property from ad valorem taxation. The amendment defines a first responder as a law enforcement officer, a correctional officer, a firefighter, an emergency medical technician, or a paramedic. This amendment shall take effect January 1, 2013.
Support
According to the Collins Center for Public Policy, supporters asserted that the measure would assist the families left behind when a veteran or first responder dies in service.[3]
Opposition
According to the Collins Center for Public Policy, opponents argued the measure contributes to the erosion of the tax revenues necessary for schools and local governments to function.[3]
Path to the ballot
In order to qualify for the November 2012 ballot the proposed amendment required approval by a minimum of 60% in the both the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate.
On Wednesday, February 15, 2012, the house passed the bill on a vote of 115-0, thereby passing it on to the senate.[1]
On Friday, March 9, 2012, the senate approved the measure 40-0, it was then filed with the Secretary of State on March 30.[1]
Timeline
The following is a timeline of events surrounding the measure:
| Event | Date | Developments |
|---|---|---|
| Approval | Feb. 15, 2012 | The House voted 115-0 in favor of the measure. |
| Final approval | Mar. 9, 2012 | Senate gave final approval with a 40-0 vote of approval to refer the measure to the statewide ballot. |
See also
| By Eric Veram Ballot measure writer |
| Email • Submit a link |
References
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