Completely exempt from property taxes

If an eligible property is used for a non-profit or governmental purpose and is regularly and frequently open for the public's visitation, use and benefit, the city may exempt 100 percent of the assessed value of the property, as improved, from ad valorem taxes levied by the city provided that the assessed value of the improvement is equal to at least 50 percent of the total assessed value of the property as improved. This section applies only if the improvements are made by or for the use of the then existing property owner. An eligible property is considered used for non-profit or governmental purposes if the occupant or user of at least 65 percent of the usable space of the building is an agency of the federal, state or local government or a non-profit corporation whose articles of incorporation have been filed by the Florida department of state in accordance with F.S. § 617.0125. Usable space means that portion of the space within a building that is available for assignment or rental to an occupant. A property is considered regularly and frequently open to the public if the public has access to the property not less than 52 days a year on an equitably spaced basis, and other times by appointment. This exemption does not prohibit the owner from charging a reasonable, non-discriminatory admission fee. If a property that qualifies for this exemption is no longer used for non-profit or governmental purposes or is no longer regularly and frequently open to the public or if ownership is transferred, this exemption shall no longer be effective and the property shall, instead, be subject to the exemption provided for by section 23-10.

(Ord. No. 12927, § 2, 6-14-07)