BROWNSVILLE, Texas –Thursday, August 20, 2026 – The Brownsville Navigation District (BND) Board of Commissioners at a regular meeting held Wednesday, Aug. 19, unanimously approved the adoption of a resolution establishing the maximum local-option residence homestead exemption allowed under Texas law for persons age 65 or older and for disabled persons.
“The Brownsville Navigation District Board of Commissioners is proud to provide meaningful tax relief to residents in our communities,” said Brownsville Navigation District Chairman Sergio Tito Lopez. “I commend my fellow commissioners as we remain united in our commitment to bring good-paying jobs to the region while creating opportunities that enhance quality of life.”
Under the resolution, pursuant to Section 11.13 of the Texas Property Tax Code, qualifying homeowners within the district will now receive an exemption equal to 100% of the appraised value of their residence homestead – the highest exemption permitted under state law.
The exemption applies to residence homesteads owned by individuals 65 years of age or older or by persons with qualifying disabilities and will be administered by the Cameron County Appraisal District in accordance with the Texas Property Tax Code. Qualifying property owners must file the required annual exemption application to receive the benefit.
Communities within the Brownsville Navigation District include Brownsville, Rancho Viejo, Los Fresnos, Indian Lake and Starbase.
The exemption takes effect immediately upon adoption and will apply beginning with the 2027 tax year.
Residents with questions about eligibility or the application process may contact the Cameron County Appraisal District.
About the Port of Brownsville
The Port of Brownsville is the only deep-water seaport directly on the U.S.-Mexico border and encompasses 40,000 acres – the largest land-owning public port authority in the country.
The port transships more steel into Mexico than any other U.S. port and is home to premier energy, shipbuilding, and ship recycling industries. It ranks No. 41 among the Top 150 U.S. maritime ports for waterborne cargo, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
As the major multimodal transportation hub serving the Rio Grande Valley and northern Mexico, the Port of Brownsville supports investment opportunities and jobs. Activity at the port is responsible for adding more than $1 billion to the Rio Grande Valley regional economy and more than $12 billion to the Texas economy, and the creation of more than 100,000 jobs statewide. For more information visit www.portofbrownsville.com
