HomeMy WebLinkAboutReso 2024-3613RESOLUTION NO. 2024 -
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SUNNY ISLES BEACH,
FLORIDA, URGING THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO ENACT SENATE BILL 1721
WHICH SEEKS TO CREATE A VERIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR THE HOMESTEAD
EXEMPTION FOR CERTAIN DISABLED VETERANS, WHICH WOULD ENHANCE THE
HOME BUYING CAPABILITIES OF FLORIDA'S DISABLED VETERANS; DIRECTING
THE CITY CLERK TO SEND A COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE MEMBERS OF
THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, THE SPEAKER
OF THE FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE
FLORIDA SENATE; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO DO ALL THINGS
NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE THIS RESOLUTION; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Sunny Isles Beach (the "City") recognizes the invaluable service and
sacrifices made by veterans in defense of our nation; and
WHEREAS, Senate Bill 172 ("SB 172") has been filed for consideration during the Florida
Legislature's 2024 session by Senators Tina Polsky and Rosalind Osgood; and
WHEREAS, SB 172 seeks to create a verification of eligibility for the homestead exemption
for certain disabled veterans, which would enhance the home buying capabilities of Florida's
disabled veterans; and
WHEREAS, the current system creates a timing issue for disabled veterans, as they are
required to apply for an real estate tax exemption only after taking ownership of their homes,
causing temporary financial challenges during the mortgage underwriting process; and
WHEREAS, SB 172 seeks to rectify this issue by allowing certain disabled veterans to apply
for their exemption after entering into a contract to purchase a home, ensuring approval subject
to home ownership, thereby eliminating unnecessary hurdles during the mortgage qualification
process; and
WHEREAS, this adjustment enables disabled veterans to access the benefits they have
rightfully earned precisely when they need them most, facilitating their journey to
homeownership without imposing any additional financial burdens on the State of Florida; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission finds that it is in the best interest of its residents to
endorse and support Senate Bill 172, which aims to streamline the real estate tax exemption
process for disabled veterans in Florida.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SUNNY
ISLES BEACH, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Express Support of Senate Bills 172. The City Commission hereby expresses its
support of Senate Bill 172.
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Section 2. Direction to the City Clerk. The City Clerk is hereby directed to distribute copies
of this Resolution to the Miami -Dade County Board of County Commissioners, the President of
the Florida Senate, and the Speaker of Florida House of Representative.
Section 3. Authorization of the City Manager. The City Manager is hereby authorized to do
all things necessary to effectuate the terms of this Resolution.
Section 4. Effective Date. This Resolution shall become effective upon adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 18
►TTES
Mauricio'Betankur, CMC, City Clerk
Larisa Svechin, Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM
AND LEGAL SUFFICIENCY:
AI in E. Boileau, P.A., for Nabors, Giblin &
Nickerson, City Attorney
Moved by: 6:yx � ' �f Seconded by:
Vote:
(No)
Mayor Svechin
(Yes)
Vice Mayor Lama
(Yes)
(No)
Commissioner Joseph
✓✓(Yes)
(No)
Commissioner Stuyvesant
(Yes)
(No)
Commissioner Viscarra
(Yes)
(No)
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T } Q F 5'J R hxy
City of Sunny Isles Beach
18070 Collins Avenue
Sunny Isles Beach, Florida 33160
(305) 947-0606 City Hall
(305) 949-3113 Fax
MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners
FROM: Jeniffer Viscarra, Commissioner
DATE: January 18, 2024
RE: Express Support of Senate Bill 172 Regarding Disabled Veterans' Homesteac
Exemption
RECOMMENDATION:
This Resolution is Presented for your consideration.
REASONS:
Senate Bill 172 has been filed for consideration during the Florida Legislature's 2024 session b)
Senators Tina Polsky and Rosalind Osgood. The bill seeks to create a verification of eligibility for the
homestead exemption for certain disabled veterans, which would enhance the home buying
capabilities of Florida's disabled veterans. Unfortunately, the current system creates a timing issue for
disabled veterans, as they are required to apply for an real estate tax exemption only after taking
ownership of their homes, causing temporary financial challenges during the mortgage underwriting
process. The bill would rectify this issue by allowing certain disabled veterans to apply for their
exemption after entering into a contract to purchase a home, ensuring approval subject to home
ownership, thereby eliminating unnecessary hurdles during the mortgage qualification process.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
Item Number: 10.0
341