Jan 7, 2008 6:50 pm US/Eastern
Crist In Hollywood To Tout Property Tax Plan
HOLLYWOOD (CBS4) ―
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Governor Crist is in town promoting the latest property tax cut amendment which will only offer the average homeowner $200 in savings. Do you plan to vote for it?
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Governor Charlie Crist stopped by a Hollywood home on Monday to tout the benefits of a property tax amendment that he's asking voters to approve this January.
Crist was joined by Broward County Property Appraiser Lori Parrish and members of the Realtor Association of Greater Fort Lauderdale.
During his visit, Crist acknowledge that Amendment 1 is not a fix to the state's property tax crisis, but is more of a start to real property tax relief.
"The people want their taxes cut and it is very simple," said Crist, "let me cut to the chase on this issue, if you want your property taxes cut – vote yes on amendment 1 on January 29th- it is that simple."
The amendment, which has four parts, would save the average homeowner about $240 a year.
Under terms of the plan, it would double the existing $25,000 homestead exemption for primary homes valued at more than $50,000 but only for non-school taxes.
A "portability" provision would allow homesteaders to take existing Save Our Homes benefits along when they move. Save Our Homes limits annual assessment increases to 3 percent but only for primary homes.
Another provision would provide businesses, second homes and rental properties with a similar cap of 10 percent.
Finally, the amendment would give businesses a $25,000 exemption on equipment and other personal property.
The amendment will appear on the January 29th presidential primary ballot.
"It is absolutely essential for the future of Florida," said Phillip Vias with Prudential Realty, "because so many people are trapped in their homes."
Supporters of Amendment 1 admit it doesn't cure the property tax crisis, does nothing to lower bills for new buyers, for second home owners or businesses, but it is a beginning.
"This is a start, we have to vote for this" said Kathy Lockard with Keller Williams Realty, "it's a beginning and we have to hang onto this or I'm afraid we won't see anything."
Crist acknowledged those against the amendment because it didn't do enough and promised those who had gathered that Amendment 1 was just the beginning.
"We'll do more, we'll keep going, this is not the end, this is just the second play," said Crist, "we are going to keep going, keep charging ahead, and keep cutting your property taxes.
Some of those critical of Amendment 1 have come up with their own plan.
Fair Property Tax For All Inc. points out that the amendment will only save the average homeowner about $200 a year in property taxes.
They are seeking support for a constitutional amendment that would limit taxes on all properties to 1.35-percent.
Friday, the group delivered 15-thousand signed petitions to the Miami Dade County Elections Department. They need 600-thousand signatures from various municipalities across the state to get the measure on the January 29th ballot.
Click Here to find out more about the "1.35-percent Tax Plan"
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