The bill amends Florida Statutes Section 196.081, which pertains to ad valorem tax exemptions for disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. A significant change is the removal of the limitation on the value of the tax exemption that a surviving spouse can transfer to a new residence after selling their property. Previously, the exemption could not exceed the amount granted from the most recent ad valorem tax roll; this restriction has been eliminated, allowing for greater flexibility in transferring tax exemptions.
Additionally, the bill revises the timeline for when a specified tax exemption is considered granted. It allows applicants to apply for the exemption before receiving necessary documentation from the U.S. Government or the Department of Veterans Affairs, with the exemption being granted retroactively to the date the applicant became eligible. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.