Hialeah approves property tax relief for qualifying seniors
Thousands of homeowners 65 and older in Hialeah may soon receive financial relief to help offset rising property taxes under a newly approved city program.
The Hialeah City Council has authorized a $1.2 million property tax relief initiative, marking what city leaders describe as the first program of its kind not only in Florida, but across the state.
Mayor Bryan Calvo said more than 6,000 families are expected to receive a one-time rebate check by the end of March.
"They said it couldn't be done, and we did it," Calvo said. "And we did it in less than 45 days of this new administration."
According to the mayor, roughly one in five city residents will benefit from the stimulus-style rebate. He said the funding for the program will not reduce city services or impact businesses or residents.
"The reason we were able to accomplish this is because of better administration," Calvo said. "We have been able to front-load some of our pension commitments, and by doing so, we have identified the money to fund this program."
To qualify for the relief payment, residents must be at least 65 years old, own a homesteaded property in Hialeah with their name on the deed, and have an annual income of $37,694 or less.
Homeowners who already receive the senior exemption on their property tax bill will automatically receive a check in the mail, city officials said.
The average rebate is expected to be $539, though the exact amount will vary based on an individual's city tax bill.
"Some will get a little bit more, some will get less, depending on what their tax bill looks like toward the city," Calvo said.
Carlos Diaz, a Hialeah resident, praised the initiative.
"What he has done in two months they couldn't do in years," Diaz said in Spanish. "That is why now the city of Hialeah will progress."
Ana Gloria Diaz said the additional funds will help cover basic expenses.
"I will now have more to eat, to ease my mind. For gas in my car," she said.
The city is partnering with the Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser's Office to help residents determine whether they qualify. An informational session is scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday at the Milander Center for Arts and Entertainment, located at 4700 Palm Ave.