Voters Back Tax Exemptions For First Responders, Seniors

WUSF | By The News Service of Florida

Published November 9, 2016 at 8:07 PM EST

Adam and Crystal Pierce say they'd save more than $4,000 in annual property taxes on their Lake County home if Amendment 3 passes.

In two issues that received relatively little attention, voters on Tuesday night voted overwhelmingly to approve constitutional amendments that could lead to property-tax breaks for disabled first responders and some seniors.

The proposals, known as amendments 3 and 5, were placed on the ballot by the Legislature. Amendment 3 would allow lawmakers to grant property-tax exemptions for first responders who are totally and permanently disabled because of injuries suffered in the line of duty.

With more than 8 million votes counted statewide, the measure had support from more than 83 percent of voters. Amendment 5, meanwhile, is aimed at allowing low-income seniors to continue receiving an additional homestead tax exemption when their property values rise above $250,000. It was being backed by about 78 percent of voters.