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Florida Senior Homestead Tax Exemption, Amendment 11 (2012)
| Amendment 11 | |
 | |
| Quick stats | |
| Type: | Constitutional amendment |
| Constitution: | Florida Constitution |
| Referred by: | Florida State Legislature |
| Topic: | Taxes |
| Status: |  |
Contents |
The Florida Senior Homestead Tax Exemption, Amendment 11, was on the November 6, 2012 state ballot in Florida as a legislatively-referred constitutional amendment, where it was approved. This amendment enabled the state legislature to authorize counties and municipalities to offer additional tax exemptions on the homes of low-income seniors. The measure was sponsored by state Representative Jose Oliva.[1][2]
Election results
- See also: 2012 ballot measure election results
| Florida Amendment 11 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Result | Votes | Percentage | ||
| Yes | 4,717,827 | 61.26% | ||
| No | 2,984,270 | 38.74% | ||
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:[3]
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
ARTICLE VII, SECTION 6
ADDITIONAL HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION; LOW-INCOME SENIORS WHO MAINTAIN LONG-TERM RESIDENCY ON PROPERTY; EQUAL TO ASSESSED VALUE.—Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to authorize the Legislature, by general law and subject to conditions set forth in the general law, to allow counties and municipalities to grant an additional homestead tax exemption equal to the assessed value of homestead property if the property has a just value less than $250,000 to an owner who has maintained permanent residency on the property for not less than 25 years, who has attained age 65, and who has a low household income as defined by general law.
Support
According to the Collins Center for Public Policy, supporters said that the amendment provides assistance to elderly residents on fixed incomes. They further argued that the property tax discount can help elderly residents to pay for medical bills and stay in their own homes as they age.[4]
Opposition
According to the Collins Center for Public Policy, opponents argued the measure contributes to the erosion of the tax base necessary for schools and local governments to function.[4]
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 Thursday, February 23, 2012, the house passed the bill on a vote of 116-0. It will now go to the state Senate for approval before finally being referred to voters.[1][2]
On Friday, March 09, 2012, the senate approved the measure 40-0, it was then filed with the Secretary of State on April 13.[2]
Timeline
The following is a timeline of events surrounding the measure:
| Event | Date | Developments |
|---|---|---|
| Approval | Feb. 23, 2012 | The House voted 116-0 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 |
- 2012 ballot measures
- Florida 2012 ballot measures
- Florida Senior Homestead Assessment Amendment (2012)
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Associated Press "Tax Breaks Approved by Florida House," February 23, 2012
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Bill status from Florida House website, retrieved February 24, 2012
- ↑ Florida Secretary of State,"Amendment 11," retrieved September 25, 2012
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Collins Center for Public Policy,"Amendment 11," retrieved October 2, 2012
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