A Jacksonville ordinance offers a grant of up to $800, capped at the city property tax paid, to a homesteading service member at pay grade O-3 or below who spent 60 days in a combat zone in a year. It is subject to appropriation, one section still names only the 2005 tax year, and the veterans department does not advertise it; ask before relying on it.
Chapter 590 of the Jacksonville Ordinance Code (2004, amended 2005) creates an Active Military Combat Duty Grant, run by the Military Affairs and Veterans Department, for families of service members in combat.
Who. A resident at pay grade O-3 or below who owned, lived in and had a homestead exemption on Duval County property on December 31 of the year, was serving in the military, active, reserve or Guard, and was ordered into a presidentially designated combat zone for an aggregate of 60 days that calendar year. A member wounded or seriously ill before reaching 60 days still qualifies.
How much. The lesser of $800 or the member's city ad valorem tax for the year, which excludes school board, water management district, inland navigation and urban service district taxes. Apply each year to the department with certified combat orders and proof of service, proof of the homestead exemption and proof the taxes were paid. A willfully false application brings a $2,000 civil penalty, repayment and permanent disqualification.
Why to ask first. Section 590.105 makes every grant subject to funds appropriated, and section 590.103 still reads "The grant entitlement shall be for the 2005 Ad Valorem Tax year", while section 590.104 provides for annual applications. The department's website, which lists its services and programmes, does not mention the grant. A qualifying family should ask the department whether it is funded this year.
Thresholds
Thresholds for Jacksonville Active Military Combat Duty Grant
Gate
Rule
O-3 or below, Duval homestead, 60 days in a combat zone
A serving member at O-3 or below with a Duval homestead and 60 days in a combat zone in the year. No rating is involved.
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Disclaimer
VetTOC is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense. Information is for reference only and is not an eligibility determination. Verify with VA, the relevant state or territory, or an accredited VSO.