Do you want to get a headache? Try to understand the article in the Miami Herald today PROPERTY TAX PRIMER Property taxes: a guide for our readers. It is not the Herald’s fault it is so complicated (I can’t believe I am not blaming the Herald). There are so many plans out there now, between the Governor, the Democrats and the Republicans, you can bet that change will never happen. The debate is pretty much over when it gets this messy. This is the only thing that is for sure on this issue. Lobbyists that lobby for our local Miami-Dade cities in Tallahassee, like Ron Book, are going to make an absolute fortune on this. Why? Every single plan out there impacts local governments big time. That seems to be the only thing that all the tax reform plans have in common. Local governments could lose up to $5.8 billion Statewide. So with all the local governments shaking in their boots, with all the lobbyists out there working full tilt and a totally confused public; we now have a recipe for yet another boondoggle.
7 comments:
You didn't mention that the political parties themselves have multiple plans. This does seem to be something that will never be solved because i the end the lobbyists will prevail and they are representing no change that will impact cities.
don't be so sure that cities will never lose out or that public opinion will govern the decision. most likely it will be developers and affiliated special interests that will guide policy as they have done in FL since WWII
"you can bet that change will never happen." Genius
"The race is not always to the swift,
nor the battle to the strong --
but that's usually the way to bet."
-- Damon Runyon
Does the legislature have the votes to suck the money out of urban areas with a bait and switch, tax relief-tax transfer plan? We'll see. Is there a tradition of screwing the cities? Check out the Miami Dept of Motor Vehicles then go to an office in some backwater.
"Some people got lost in the flood
Some people got away alright."
Randy Newman - Louisiana 1927
Elimination or a decrease in property taxes would add so much disposible income to dade county nobody can appreciate it. Do cross elasticity of demand and look at a hike of 2.5% in sales tax vs an average of $5000 more per year in income to spend...think that with that additional revenue we are going to mow the lawn or not buy a pair of $200 shoes because of $5...I dont think so!
Europe and Mexico have 10 to 17% sales tax and we are crying...come on, lets give it a chance, what is the worst that can happen/ We're living it!
I really like the fact that property value has decreased and our taxes are still higher than ever...know where 80% goes? School Board! I think the solution is to take a careful look at that 4 billion pound gorilla.
Why not really be fair to all? Get rid of all those special exemptions--- Get a realistic budget, divide the budget by ALL PROPERTIES and you will have the lowest possible tax for everyone! Who can complain then since everyone with the same property appraisal will pay the exact same amount! And no more poor paying for rich, or some paying none- and no problem with portability or big change if changeing homes, etc.
Agreed?? Jerry Dixon
This issue is extremely confusing. There are so many proposals floating around right now that it is hard to determine which is best. Nice post, nice blog. Thanks.
Please have a look here: http://volusiaflaglerrealestate.blogspot.com/2007/04/florida-property-tax-reform.html
John Adams --
just as i said, when it gets this confusing, you know nothing is going to change....
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