§ 54-153. Additional homestead exemption; eligibility; application.

(a)

Any person 65 years of age or older who has the legal or equitable title to the real estate located within the city and who maintains thereon his or her permanent residence, which residence qualifies for and receives homestead exemption pursuant to F.S. § 196.031, and whose household income does not exceed $20,000.00 or such amount as is adjusted pursuant to section 54-154 herein, may apply for an additional homestead exemption of $25,000.00 as provided in this article.

(b)

A taxpayer claiming the additional homestead exemption shall annually submit to the property appraiser the following:

(1)

Not later than March 1, a sworn statement of household income on a form prescribed by the Department of Revenue; and

(2)

Not later than June 1, copies of any federal income tax returns for the prior year, any wage and earnings statements (W-2 forms), and any other documents that may be required by the Department of Revenue or the property appraiser, for all members of the household. The taxpayer's statement shall attest to the accuracy of such copies.

(c)

The additional homestead exemption, if granted, shall be applicable to all ad valorem taxes levied by the city.

(d)

If title to the property is held jointly with right of survivorship, the person residing on the property and otherwise qualifying for additional homestead exemption may receive the entire amount of the additional homestead exemption provided herein.

(e)

The additional homestead exemption shall be available to qualified persons beginning with the 2006 tax year, and annually thereafter to the extent permitted by law. The city council reserves the right to amend and to repeal this article. The household income limitation shall be subject to adjustment as provided in section 54-154.

(Ord. No. 05-16, § 1, 11-28-2005)