Florida is a beautiful place filled with gorgeous beaches and wonderful weather. Purchasing a home in the Sunshine State is a dream for many individuals, but the path to homeownership can be complicated. Obtaining a loan is a complex process and often requires paying expensive down payments and high interest rates that many individuals can’t afford.

If you’re a veteran, however, you may be able to pursue home ownership with fewer drawbacks. VA loans in Florida give veterans financial options that can help them build or purchase a home without making a down payment, lowering the barrier to entry and helping make their dreams a reality.

What is a VA loan?

Introduced in 1944, VA loans aim to make it easier for veterans to purchase a property. Because these loans come with a VA guarantee, private lenders take much less risk by providing them to clients. This, in turn, lets them provide veterans with much better terms.

VA Loan Benefits

VA loans in Florida:

• Require no down payments
• Offer competitive interest rates
• Have no prepayment penalties
• Have much more lenient credit requirements
• Don’t require Private Mortgage Insurance

Because of the much more lenient terms, veterans can obtain financing with less financial strain, allowing them to pursue home ownership when they might not have otherwise been able to.

How To Navigate the VA Loan Application Process

Before applying, you’ll need to determine what type of loan you need, as different loans have different requirements. A VA construction loan, for example, can help you finance a new construction project. However, you must partner with a VA-registered builder to complete the work.

You’ll also want to ensure you budget appropriately. Loans, including VA loans, come with closing costs, which may include a VA appraisal, home inspection costs, and title insurance fees. In addition, VA loans come with a one-time funding fee, which will cost a percentage of a property’s overall worth.

To apply for a loan, you’ll need to determine VA eligibility. Only active service members (who’ve served for 90 consecutive days), veterans, and surviving spouses can apply for VA loans. In addition, you’ll need to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to obtain your loan.

Once you’ve determined your loan type, assessed your budget, and obtained a COE, you can start searching for VA-approved lenders. These lenders can help you better understand the application process and make purchasing a home easier.

Start Your Journey to Home Ownership With Shirley Mueller

If you’re a veteran, a VA loan can help you finally achieve the dream of home ownership. That said, navigating the application process can still feel intimidating, especially if this is your first time.

We can take the stress out of applying for VA loans in Florida. Our goal is to help you better understand VA loans and assist with the application process so that you can purchase or build your new property. Call Shirley Mueller at 561-810-1711 to learn more today.

Are you a Florida veteran wondering how you’ll pay property taxes in your current situation? You may be surprised to learn that Florida offers numerous benefits for veterans, including possible tax exemptions on your homestead. 

Read on to learn more about Florida disabled veteran property tax benefits.

Property Tax Exemption Benefits in Florida

There are several types of property tax exemption benefits for disabled veterans in Florida who were honorably discharged from the service. Here are the most common exemptions:

War Time Veteran Disabled Property Tax Discount Percentage

Do you have a disability or injury related to your time in service? Veterans with combat-related disabilities rated above a certain percentage from the VA could be eligible for this property tax exemption in Florida. Depending on this percentage, you’ll receive a corresponding discount.

Veteran with Service-Connected Total and Permanent Disability or Confined to a Wheelchair Property Tax Exemption

If you’re a veteran with a service-connected total and permanent disability, you could be eligible for a property tax exemption on your home. For example, any veteran confined to a wheelchair or declared legally blind from a service-related injury or condition may be eligible for a total exemption under this statute.

However, a qualifying veteran must understand that this only applies to the property where they reside full-time. That means it won’t apply to any investment property or vacation home. 

Disabled Veteran Aged 65 and Older Property Tax Discount

Senior veterans with disabilities related to their service could be eligible for property tax discounts on the assessed value of their homesteads. Florida calculates the discount on the percentage assigned to you by the VA based on either permanent or partial disability.

Can Surviving Spouses Receive These Exemptions?

With all three tiers of benefits above, surviving spouses could be eligible for a discount of homestead exemption on property taxes. However, the state will limit this to surviving spouses who have not remarried and may impose other similar conditions.

Upon selling, a surviving spouse receives an exemption on the new home up to the amount they received on the previous property.

How To Apply For Property Tax Exemption Benefits in Florida

Are you a qualifying veteran? Filing for the first time is simple. To receive a Florida disabled veteran property tax exemption, use the Florida Department of Revenue’s Original Application for Homestead and Related Tax Exemptions. You must meet the following eligibility requirements to apply:

• Resident of Florida
• Service-related disability of 10% or greater as declared by the VA
• Medical documentation confirming the disability
• Reside in the home for which you are applying for exemption (no investment properties)
• Legal title to the property on January 1 of the year for which you want the exemption
• Your next of kin or a duly authorized representative can complete the application for you.

Eligibility Requirements

Are you interested in Florida disabled veteran property tax exemption benefits? With a little help, all eligible veterans can navigate the application process for tax-related exemptions.

Visit Shirley Mueller to learn more about VA Loans in Florida services. Gain a better understanding of the benefits available to disabled veterans and their families in Florida.

Veterans loans are specifically for active and retired service members to help them finance home purchases. The real estate market can be tough to navigate, even if you have a VA loan in Florida. Shirley Mueller, an expert at VA Loans in Florida, is here to help with these tips for success when looking for a home with a VA loan. 

How Do VA Loans Work?

VA loans are available for current or veteran service members. VA loans often have better loan terms, like no mortgage insurance requirements, no down payments, lower interest rates, and closing cost exemption. VA loans also have more eligible uses, and they have more flexible credit and debt-to-income requirements. A VA loan is not a secured loan, but the VA does guarantee it.

For example, it is generally possible to get a VA mortgage loan or home improvement loan even with a credit score as low as 500. Most conventional lenders require a credit score of at least 620. The process of acquiring a VA loan is largely the same as acquiring a conventional loan, aside from the different eligibility requirements.  

Finding a House With a VA Loan

VA loans have a lot of benefits over traditional loans, but navigating real estate markets can still be difficult. Fortunately, VA Loans Florida can help.

Find a Realtor

The first step to finding any house is working with a realtor. Fortunately, there exist realtors specifically for veterans. These real estate agents understand everything about the VA loan financing process and can help you find properties and navigate the VA loan procedure.

A good realtor can mean the difference between finding the property of your dreams and having no luck. 

Know Your Benefits

Veterans loans have several differences and benefits that traditional home mortgages do not have. For example, you don’t have to put a down payment with a veteran’s loan. Additionally, veterans may be able to use their VA loan benefits multiple times for primary residences. You can also still be eligible for a VA loan if you have recently gone through bankruptcy or debt consolidation.

Pay Attention to Financing Requirements

Pay attention to any loan amount or financing requirements for properties. It can be frustrating to find a home put in an offer, but find out the seller won’t accept a VA loan. Unfortunately, the additional requirements and benefits of VA loans may be seen as an additional risk to some sellers, and they may only be willing to sell to someone with a conventional home mortgage.

Explore Other Financing Options 

VA loans are a good option for no-down-payment loans, but it can sometimes make sense to opt for a traditional loan. Even if you are eligible for a VA loan, it can be worth exploring additional financing opportunities to see what options you have.  

VA Loans in Florida

With nearly 20 years of combined experience, the Shirley Mueller, VA Loans Expert for Florida dedicates herself to helping service members find the home of their dreams. Call us at 561-810-1711 or apply online to see if you pre-qualify for VA loans in Florida!

From military service to homeownership—a guide to construction loans.

For Florida veterans, the dream of homeownership is about more than securing a place to live; it’s a symbol of stability and success after years of service.

This article explores the tool that makes this dream attainable: a VA Construction Loan in Florida. 

Learn how these construction loans provide financial benefits for veterans and disabled veterans. Simplify the home-building process and make the journey from military service to homeownership a reality.

The VA Construction Loan in Florida

A VA construction loan is a specialized financing option designed to assist veterans, including disabled veterans, in building their dream homes. 

A construction loan is tailored for financing the construction of a new home or significant renovations, with funds disbursed in stages. 

In contrast, a regular mortgage is used to purchase an existing home, and borrowers receive a lump sum payment, making monthly payments that include both principal and interest. 

What sets it apart is its unique blend of affordability and flexibility. Unlike conventional loans, VA construction loans offer several key benefits, such as:

• Low (or no) down payment requirements
• Competitive interest rates

These features make homeownership more accessible for vets who might not have access to traditional financing options. 

Eligibility Criteria for VA Construction Loans in Florida

To access VA construction loans, veterans must meet specific eligibility criteria. 

These requirements include having a valid Certificate of Eligibility (COE), which proves their service history. Second is demonstrating a stable income. 

These criteria offer particular benefits to veterans because they tend to be more lenient and accommodating compared to the eligibility requirements of conventional loans.

This flexibility acknowledges the circumstances some veterans experience and aims to expand homeownership opportunities specifically tailored to support the veteran community.

Advantages of VA Construction Loan Florida

Florida veterans (and disabled veterans) stand to gain several significant advantages through VA construction loans. 

• No Down Payment: Firstly, these loans typically require little to no down payment, alleviating the financial burden of upfront costs.
  
• Competitive Interest Rates: Additionally, VA construction loans often come with competitive interest rates, reducing the long-term financial commitment of homeownership.
  
• Customization: VA construction loans accommodate this desire by allowing veterans to build customized homes suited to their preferences. Of course, taking Florida’s unique weather into consideration.
  
• Optimized to Today’s Standards: These loans may include provisions for energy-efficient upgrades, ensuring homes are not only comfortable but also eco-friendly.
  

Overall, VA construction loans offer a pathway to homeownership that is both financially feasible and tailored to the specific needs and aspirations of Florida’s veterans.

Simple Approval Process

VA construction loans simplify the approval process for Florida veterans, minimizing paperwork and bureaucratic hassles. 

Unlike conventional loans, VA loans have more relaxed credit requirements and a straightforward application process. 

The Department of Veterans Affairs closely oversees the loan program, ensuring a smoother and faster approval timeline.

This simplified approach means that Florida veterans can focus on building their dream homes without the bureaucratic approach associated with traditional home loans, making their journey efficient and hassle-free.

Key Takeaways:

• Qualifying disabled service members in Florida can receive a property tax exemption.
• The Department of Veterans Affairs allows a carry-over to a surviving spouse.
• Disabled veterans must show proof of their disability to the county property appraiser. 

The rules regarding Florida property tax for disabled veterans differ slightly from those governing standard homeowners. The Department of Veterans Affairs outlines various benefits available for qualifying servicemen and women plus their spouses. 

Read on to discover the main components of these exemption programs and how you might be able to take advantage of them. 

What Is the Homestead Exemption?

According to the Florida VA, eligible veterans will receive property tax exemptions in varying degrees. They call this concept a homestead exemption, meaning that the veteran must reside in the house rather than own it as an investment property. 

A veteran can receive either a total exemption each year or an exemption of up to a certain threshold, depending on their physical capabilities. We’ve included the requirements for applicants and spouses below.

Florida Applicants Must Meet Various Requirements 

Could you be exempt from paying Florida property tax? Disabled veterans must have sustained a service-connected disability to qualify. They must also show proof that they were honorably discharged from their branch of the military. 

A veteran’s disability rating (percentage) grants certain exemption amounts on their homestead tax. Those with permanent service-related disabilities, including paraplegics and quadriplegics, will likely be eligible for a complete exemption.

Are you a veteran of 65 and older? You may be able to receive discounts on the assessed value of the home in line with your disability rating. For example, if the VA determines you have a partial disability, you could receive a discount of that same percentage on your home’s tax-assessed value. 

Spousal Benefits May Be Available

A surviving spouse of a deceased veteran can also benefit from the rules regarding Florida property tax for disabled veterans. However, they must prove their marriage to the deceased on the day of their death. Also, spousal benefits only apply if they remain unmarried after their partner’s death. 

How To Apply For Florida Property Tax Exemptions

Are you an eligible veteran or surviving spouse of a disabled veteran in Florida? Apply via your county’s property appraiser. You’ll show proof of military service and the connected disability, which the VA can confirm and rate. 

In the event that the property appraiser denies the application, you can also file a petition with the local value adjustment board to request benefits. 

Our brave veterans may receive tax exemptions for risking their lives for this country. The programs working with the state’s Department of Veterans Affairs adjust the annual Florida property tax for disabled veterans. It allows them and qualifying spouses tax-free benefits in line with their disability rating so that they can move forward after all they’ve sacrificed.

As the state’s leading VA home lender specialist, Shirley Mueller can help you navigate your benefits as a veteran or a qualifying spouse. Call (561) 810-1711 today to learn more about these housing benefits and how to apply for them. 

Florida offers numerous benefits for disabled veterans, providing them with opportunities and support to enhance their quality of life. 

In this article, we help you find these opportunities.

VA Home Loans for Disabled Veterans

VA Home Loans are specifically designed to help disabled veterans in Florida achieve their dream of homeownership. These loans offer several benefits, including:

• Lower interest rates: Disabled veterans can take advantage of lower interest rates compared to traditional loans, allowing for more affordable monthly payments.
• No down payment: VA Home Loans eliminate the need for a down payment, making it easier for disabled veterans to purchase a home.
• No mortgage insurance: Unlike conventional loans, VA Home Loans do not require mortgage insurance, reducing the overall cost of homeownership.

To be eligible for a VA Home Loan in Florida, you must meet the following requirements:

• Active duty service: You must have served on active duty for a specific period, typically 90 continuous days during wartime or 181 days during peacetime.
• Honorable discharge: You must have received an honorable discharge from the military.
• Disability rating: Having a service-connected disability as determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will make you eligible for additional benefits, including increased loan limits.

To apply for a VA Home Loan in Florida, follow these steps:

1. Gather your necessary documents, including your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and proof of income.
2. Find a VA-approved lender in Florida who can guide you through the loan application process.
3. Complete the loan application and provide the required documentation.
4. Await the lender’s decision on your loan application.

To improve your chances of being approved for a VA Home Loan in Florida, consider the following tips:

• Maintain a good credit score: Pay your bills on time, keep your credit card balances low, and avoid taking on new debt.
• Stabilize your income and employment: Try to maintain steady employment and avoid frequent job changes.
• Save for closing costs and other expenses: While VA Home Loans do not require a down payment, you will still need to pay for closing costs.

Florida’s Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans

One of the significant benefits disabled veterans in Florida enjoy is the Property Tax Exemption. This program provides tax relief for disabled veterans and their spouses, providing them with significant financial savings.

Under this program, veterans with at least 10% percent service-related disabilities can qualify for the tax exemption of $5,000.

Veterans with 100% permanent service-related disabilities can qualify for a total exemption, where they don’t have to pay any property taxes. 

To qualify for the the Property Tax Exemption in Florida, disabled veterans must meet the following requirements:

• Be a Florida resident
• Be an honorably discharged or released veteran who has a service-connected permanent and total disability
• The disability is combat-related

Apply for this benefit by submitting your Certificate of Eligibility and VA proof of service-connected permanent and total disability, along with other necessary documents.

Here are some tips on how to maximize your property tax savings as a disabled veteran in Florida:

• Ensure that you have all the necessary documents: Before applying for a property tax exemption in Florida, make sure that you have all the required documents, including:
  • Certificates
  • Disability ratings
  • Proof of ownership of the property
• Maintain good communication with the local authorities: Communicate with local authorities to ensure that the property tax-exempt paperwork is processed correctly, and the appropriate exemptions are applied.
• Keep track of the deadlines: Make sure to track the necessary deadlines to apply for the property tax exemption program.

Florida’s Educational Benefits for Disabled Veterans

These programs aim to equip veterans with the tools and knowledge they need to pursue new career opportunities and transition smoothly to civilian life. The main educational benefits for disabled veterans in Florida include:

• Tuition waivers: Veterans can receive tuition waivers for undergraduate and graduate programs at state-funded colleges and universities.
• Career and technical training: Florida veterans can use their benefits credits to pursue career and technical training programs at state-funded vocational schools or community colleges.
• Veterans preference: Florida state law provides veterans preference in employment, which can give veterans an edge while seeking state or state-contracted positions.

To qualify for these educational benefits in Florida, disabled veterans must meet the following requirements:

• Be a Florida resident
• Be an honorably discharged or released veteran
• Have a service-connected disability
• Veteran’s disability percentage is at least 10% percent

To apply for these benefits, veterans must submit their Certificate of Eligibility, DD-214 paperwork, and other required documents, as requested by the institution.

Make the most of your educational benefits as a disabled veteran with these ideas:

• Take advantage of career services: Use the career services offered by the educational institution to increase your chances of landing a job after graduation.
• Connect with veteran support communities: Connect with other veterans, who are also beneficiaries of educational benefits, to help you navigate the complexities of college life.
• Stay informed about your benefit status: Keep updated about the changes in eligibility requirements or program policies that can affect your existing benefit status.

Florida’s Employment Benefits for Disabled Veterans

Employment benefits are designed to support disabled veterans in their pursuit of meaningful employment opportunities in Florida. These benefits aim to provide assistance and resources to help disabled veterans find suitable jobs and achieve long-term career success.

The employment benefits available for disabled veterans in Florida include:

• Priority in state employment: Disabled veterans receive priority consideration in employment opportunities within the State of Florida. This preference can enhance their chances of securing a job in various government positions or state-contracted positions.
• Vocational rehabilitation services: Disabled veterans can access vocational rehabilitation services, including:
  • Career counseling
  • Job training
  • Assistance with job placement

These services are tailored to the unique needs and abilities of disabled veterans so as to contribute to their career advancement.

• On-the-job training support: Florida offers financial assistance to employers who provide on-the-job training to disabled veterans. This benefit encourages employers to hire disabled veterans and provides valuable skills development opportunities.

To be eligible for employment benefits in Florida, disabled veterans must meet the following requirements:

• Be a Florida resident
• Have a service-connected disability as determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
• Meet any additional requirements specified by the specific program or service

To apply for employment benefits, disabled veterans should contact the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs to inquire about available programs and services. The process may involve submitting documentation, completing applications, and attending interviews or assessments.

Here’s how you can take advantage of employment benefits as a disabled veteran in Florida:

• Explore vocational rehabilitation services: Take advantage of the vocational rehabilitation services offered to disabled veterans. Work closely with vocational counselors to receive guidance with the following:
  • Assess your skills
  • Find out your interests
  • Get advice on how to achieve your career goals
  • Develop a customized plan to enhance your employment prospects
• Leverage veteran hiring preferences: When seeking employment in the public sector, inform potential employers about the veteran hiring preferences and highlight your eligibility for such preferences. This can give you a competitive edge in the job market.
• Network and engage with veteran organizations: Join veteran organizations and attend networking events to connect with fellow disabled veterans and potential employers. These connections can provide valuable employment leads and support.

Florida Benefits for Disabled Veterans

Florida offers a range of benefits for disabled veterans to help them settle into civilian life with ease. By taking advantage of these programs, you can look forward to achieving the following:

1. Enhance your quality of life
2. Pursue homeownership
3. Receive financial relief
4. Access educational opportunities
5. Secure meaningful employment

We encourage disabled veterans to explore the benefits available to them in Florida and make the most of these opportunities. These benefits are designed to recognize and honor the sacrifices made by our veterans and provide the support they deserve.

To learn more about Florida’s benefits for disabled veterans, visit the VA Loans Florida website. You can find comprehensive information about eligibility requirements, application procedures, and any additional resources that may be available.