| I have been reviewing a new citizens initiative which | | | | of the "save-our-homes" protection if we do not |
| has been named cut-property-taxes-now. Its different | | | | address it now. |
| approach is intriguing and brings a new perspective to | | | | By limiting the taxation power of cities and counties, |
| solving this problem. | | | | the new initiative could be the shot in the arm that |
| I consider this tax reduction package as one of the | | | | Florida Real Estate is desperately needing. And a |
| most interesting and I tend to support it. | | | | great relief to our middle class. |
| Notwithstanding that I will possibly vote YES on | | | | In effect, all the roll-backs voted by the legislature and |
| January 29th, on another proposed amendment of the | | | | even the new January 29th amendment, if approved, |
| present property tax system, I believe that this new | | | | can be easily bypassed if cities and counties simply |
| initiative could be the complement needed if we want | | | | choose to increase the tax rates. To explain it more in |
| to get serious about reforming the system in an | | | | detail, your home assessed value can stay the same |
| equitable way. | | | | or be reduced but your taxes can still go up if the tax |
| The January 29th ballot will be mostly about the | | | | percentage (millage) applied in calculating your taxes is |
| "portability" of the "save-our-homes" protection. This will | | | | increased. |
| perfect and consolidate a provision that has "saved | | | | The new initiatives addresses this loophole. |
| the homes" of many Florida residents against the | | | | They need 650,000 signatures by January 29th. They |
| continuous greed of local government. A serious | | | | claim that they have already obtained 75,000. They |
| consideration must be given to the latest news about | | | | are fundraising for a last minute effort to put the |
| a judicial challenge to the old "save our homes" | | | | initiative on November 2008 ballot. |
| protection, that could be triggered by the new | | | | I am not a friend of any of the people or groups that |
| "portability" addition. | | | | have put together this new initiative. |
| However the inequity of the system is blatant. Non | | | | I have written about the Florida property tax issue and |
| residents, snowbirds, new home buyers, businesses, | | | | I believe that it is a major problem that affect the lives |
| investors, are paying a much higher share of local | | | | of all Florida property owners. |
| property taxes, without enjoying any additional privilege. | | | | If you have any comments, either negative or positive, |
| There could even be a challenge to the constitutionality | | | | please email me. |