Notes from Charlotte County, Florida

Property-tax amendment

could spell relief Property

Through action taken recently by the Florida Legislature property tax relief help is on the way. An important step was accomplished after the June special legislative session when Gov. Charlie Crist signed legislation to roll back and cap local property tax rates. This action should be considered only the beginning of meaningful property tax reform in our state. The Legislature also voted to put a constitutional amendment for historic property tax relief and reform on the Jan. 29, 2008, statewide ballot.

A vote in favor of this amendment will give property owners the choice of either maintaining their current “Save Our Homes” annual assessment cap, or changing to a new “super homestead exemption.” The “super” exemption, combined with the recent statutory changes that "cut and cap" local property tax rates, will provide significant relief for the majority of homeowners. First-time home buyers, buyers of lower-priced properties and those who bought their homestead within the past five years will benefit the most. During a time when housing affordability has become a major issue, this amendment will also help teachers, firefighters, police officers and other vital service providers realize the American dream of home ownership.

In fact, it has been noted that, the new “super homestead exemption” would cut property taxes significantly for the owner of a new median-priced home in the Charlotte County area - if the amendment passes.

Voter approval will be advantageous for other groups as well. Current homeowners, especially those benefiting under the “Save our Homes” cap, will no longer be punished financially for changing homes, whether they upsize or downsize. Therefore, regardless of their current situation, a vote in favor of the amendment would benefit all homeowners substantially in the future, and, by offering a choice, hold harmless others who have no plans to ever move their homesteads.

As citizens, we have before us a historic opportunity to address the property tax crisis that is overwhelming our state. We are now at an important crossroads that concerns the very future of our state, and Gov. Crist's leadership and support will be instrumental. We hope the “People's Governor” will continue to work aggressively to ensure passage of this historic Property Tax Relief and Reform Constitutional Amendment that will greatly benefit so many of our citizens.

Joined by Realtors around the state, we will continue to work tirelessly over the next seven months to make sure the amendment passes, and that citizens get the property tax relief they are demanding - and so rightfully deserve.