Greenacres council votes to raise additional homestead exemption for seniors from $5,000 to $25,000

The City Council voted unanimously on first reading to increase an additional homestead exemption for qualifying residents 65 and older from $5,000 to $25,000 per year.

City Attorney Early summarized the background: Greenacres adopted an additional exemption in 2022 (Ordinance 2022-27) pursuant to state law that allows municipalities to grant extra homestead exemptions. “Proposed Ordinance 2025-20 does go ahead and increase that annual amount from $5,000 to $25,000 per year for qualifying persons,” Early said, and staff indicated the change is not expected to affect services provided by the city.

The item was introduced as a public hearing; no members of the public spoke in opposition or support during the session. Deputy Mayor Diaz moved approval; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously on first reading.

Next steps: as a first-reading action, the ordinance returns for final consideration per the normal ordinance schedule.

Vote: Ordinance 2025-20 approved on first reading (unanimous).