Circuit judge bumps Amendment 5 from Florida ballot – appeal certain

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Aug. 14, 2008 – Judge John C. Cooper of the 2nd Judicial Circuit Court ruled this afternoon that Amendment 5’s property tax reform initiative be struck from the November ballot, calling the ballot summary misleading to voters. The Florida Association of Realtors (FAR) expressed disappointment, but the association looks forward to a favorable ruling in the District Court of Appeal and the Florida Supreme Court.

“Homeownership is a fundamental right, and Floridians deserve a say on how their property is taxed,” says Chuck Bonfiglio, president of the Florida Association of Realtors. “We are shocked that the court decided to deny property owners’ the ability to dramatically lower their property tax rates.”

FAR Vice President of Public Policy John Sebree says, “We expect the Amendment 5 case to continue its ‘fast track’ towards the Florida Supreme Court, where we foresee a final ruling on the matter by mid-September. A defeat in the courts would deny millions of Floridians the opportunity to realize much-needed property tax relief.”
 
If passed, Amendment 5 will cut property taxes by 25 percent, and in some counties up to 40 percent.  The Legislature is required to make up those dollars by a variety of ways, including but not limited to a one-cent increase in the state sales tax, reviewing existing sales tax exemptions, and overall budget cuts.  Schools will still be funded, and held harmless under Amendment 5.    

FAR will continue to monitor the appeals process.

© 2008 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

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