§ 19-62. Additional homestead exemption for persons 65 and older.

(a) Authorization. In accordance with s. 6(f), Art. VII of the State Constitution, the Lake Wales City Commission hereby allows an additional homestead exemption of up to $25,000 to persons sixty-five (65) years of age or older and whose total household adjusted gross income does not exceed the set limit as provided in section 196.075 Florida Statutes. Said additional homestead exemption shall be referred to as the "Limited Income Senior Exemption" or "Senior Exemption."

(b) Applicability. The Senior Exemption shall apply only to taxes levied by the City of Lake Wales. Said exemption shall apply to taxes levied for dependent special districts, municipal service taxing units, voted debt service and other such levies enacted by the City Commission after adoption of this ordinance.

(c) Eligibility requirements. To be eligible for the Senior Exemption, a homeowner must meet the following criteria:

(1) Must have a current and valid homestead exemption.

(2) Must be sixty-five (65) years of age or older as of January 1 of the application year.

(3) Must provide a sworn statement that household adjusted gross income for all persons residing in the household does not exceed statutory limits. The limit for adjusted household gross income in 2006 is $23,463; this limit will be adjusted in subsequent years pursuant to the Consumer Price Index.

(4) Must file an application annually with the property appraiser on or before March 1.

(d) Consistency with Florida Statutes. All rules and requirements of F.S. § 196.075, and as the same may be hereafter amended, are adopted by reference.

(e) Effective date. The Senior Exemption authorized by section 19-62 of this ordinance shall take effect on January 1, 2007.

(Ord. No. 2006-44, § 1, 11-27-06)