Property Taxes: Battle is Far From Over

Florida Lawmakers spent most of this past legislative session battling over property taxes, and legislation now being filed for next year looks like they’re ready to do it all over again.

For the fifth straight year, Rep. Carl Domino, R-Jupiter, has filed his “portability” legislation, which would allow homeowners to carry tax savings gained under the state’s Save Our Homes amendment with them.

Domino says his idea “would really help ignite the Florida housing market.”

And Domino is most certainly not alone in his focus on the staggering Florida housing market.

• Other legislation proposed in recent weeks would make it easier for homeowners and businesses to fight high property appraisals.
• Another measure requires tax collectors to accept partial payments of property taxes.
• That’s rather than full payment.

Domino, an investor and the Legislature’s wealthiest member, says it’s no wonder property taxes are still the Legislature’s central focus.

“The Florida economy has three big engines: agriculture, tourism and housing. And the housing engine is sputtering right now,” Domino said.

Domino was the sole Republican to vote against the sweeping overhaul lawmakers approved in June, saying it doesn’t provide sufficient savings and will further hurt the Florida real estate market.

The centerpiece of the plan is a January 29 ballot initiative creating a supersize homestead exemption that voters could choose instead of keeping the Save Our Homes tax cap.

Domino thinks Floridians are wary and predicts the measure will fail.

As a fallback, he wants voters - those paying the high Florida mortgage bills - in November 2008 to decide whether his “portability” plan is worthwhile.

Also focused on that is Rep. Frank Attkisson, R-Kissimmee, who has launched a committee called Florida’s Foundation for Tax and Economic Reform.

Attkisson next month said he will likely begin trying to collect signatures for a ballot initiative to abolish all property tax payments - in exchange for a higher sales tax and other fees.

“It’s a bold idea, one that I don’t think you could ever get through the Legislature,” said Attkisson, who would need 600,000-plus signatures for the ballot measure.

He also would have to fashion a new tax-and-fee plan to cover the estimated loss of $30 billion in property taxes.

Senate Finance and Tax Chairman Mike Haridopolos said he’s ready for another go-round with property taxes, but thinks January may settle the debate.

“A lot of ideas may be on the table next year,” the Melbourne Republican said. “But a lot depends on what voters say January 29. That’s really decision day for property taxes.”

SOURCE: Orlando Sentinel