Disabled First Responders Can Apply For New Exemption

The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office will be taking applications for the additional exemption for permanently disabled Florida first responders, effective for tax year 2017 between July 1 and Aug. 1. Late applications will be accepted through Sept. 15.

The exemption was approved by Florida voters in the November 2016 general election and was finalized by the Florida Legislature and Gov. Rick Scott this year. It provides additional ad valorem tax relief on a homestead property of a Florida first responder who is totally and permanently disabled as a result of an injury sustained in the line of duty. First responders include law enforcement officers, correctional officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and paramedics.

There are a number of criteria required to qualify for this exemption. Foremost, the first responder must have been employed by a Florida agency. A complete list of qualifications for the exemption is available at www.pbcgov.com/papa.

All applicants must bring required documentation and visit (in person) one of the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office Service Centers. For more info., call (561) 355-2866.