Property tax challenges just got easier
Property tax challenges just got easier
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Governor vetoes FAR-supported condo bill
Governor vetoes FAR-supported condo bill
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Governor signs $8K homebuyer credit into law
Governor signs $8K homebuyer credit into law
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Governor signs sweeping insurance bill
HB 1495 increases Citizens Property Insurance rates by 10% and reduces the state’s exposure through the Cat Fund.
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Government spending reports now online
Government spending reports now online
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As lawmakers finalize budget, bills are on their way to the governor
On Friday you received highlights of action taken on FAR’s top initiatives. Today we provide you additional details on legislation affecting homeowners’ insurance premiums, property tax rates, condominium owners and more.
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Crist pushes first-time homebuyer exemption
Crist pushes first-time homebuyer exemption
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Insurance commissioner releases his legislative priorities
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – March 11, 2009 – Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty presented his bosses on Tuesday with his legislative priorities for the 2009 session.
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Lawmakers tap housing trust funds to plug deficit
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Jan. 12, 2009 – In a plan to plug Florida’s $2.6 billion budget deficit, Florida’s legislative leaders decided to sweep $190 million from the state’s affordable housing trust funds. The Legislature is expected to vote on the budget package on Wednesday.
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FAR urges lawmakers to consider housing issues and protect Florida’s future
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Jan. 7, 2009 – As the Florida Legislature meets in special session this week to balance an additional $2.3 billion budget shortfall because of declining revenues in the current recession, Florida Realtors® urge lawmakers to weigh their options carefully and consider Florida’s economic future.
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HEALTH INSURANCE
The Cover Florida health care program, which offers reasonably-priced health coverage to uninsured Floridians, is set to launch Jan. 5, 2009. Today, six health insurance providers signed contracts at a ceremony attended by Gov. Charlie Crist, FAR Vice-President of Public Policy John Sebree, and other dignitaries. Sebree believes about 30 percent of Florida Realtors® do not have health coverage, which is why FAR backed the bill that created the Cover Florida program, SB 2534, during this year’s session of the Florida Legislature.
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CALLING ALL STATE LAWMAKERS?
Governor Charlie Crist said he might consider calling a special session of the Florida Legislature to deal with the state’s budget deficit. According to Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, Florida faces a potential $1 billion-plus shortfall in this budget year. Last week, Rep. Ray Sansom, the incoming House speaker, said he didn’t anticipate the need for a special session.
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Florida Supreme Court: Amendment 5 off November ballot
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Sept. 3, 2008 – Amendment 5 – the Florida Association of Realtors (FAR)-backed constitutional amendment that would lower property taxes statewide by 25 percent to 40 percent, depending on where you live – could be stricken from the ballot if the Supreme Court decides that the ballot language is not clear or there is a technical problem.
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Judge hears challenge to Amendment 5 and will issue ruling soon
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Aug. 13, 2008 – Opponents of Amendment 5 had their day in court, but the Second Judicial Circuit Court will not issue his decision until later today or tomorrow. However, both sides consider it likely that the Florida Supreme Court will eventually make the final ruling.
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Crist signs insurance bill into law
TALLAHASSEE, Fla – May 29, 2008 – Gov. Crist yesterday signed property insurance reform into law, the so-called Homeowners’ Bill of Rights (SB 2860 by Sen. Jeff Atwater, R-N. Palm Beach). The final version of the bill included other bills that were added as amendments, and is the biggest insurance change to come out of the 2008 Legislative session. It offers a number of protections and upgrades for Florida homeowners.
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Amendment 5 to have its day in court
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – July 17, 2008 – If Florida voters pass Amendment 5 in November, property taxes will drop by 25-40 percent, but the amendment must first face a court challenge. A Tallahassee judge will hear arguments on Aug. 13, and the Florida Association of Realtors (FAR), which supports the amendment, anticipates a favorable ruling.
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Crist announces support for Amendment 5 property tax reform
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Aug. 5, 2008 – The property tax reform amendment advocated by FAR has a new backer – Florida Gov. Charlie Crist. Concerned about the Florida economy, Crist offered his first full endorsement yesterday, and says he will stump for passage.
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Judge hears Fla. planning amendment case 080708
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) – Aug. 7, 2008 – Supporters of a proposed Florida constitutional amendment requiring voters to approve changes in local growth management plans told a federal judge Wednesday that a host of discrepancies and problems improperly blocked the measure from the November ballot.
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Provisions of housing-mortgage relief bill
WASHINGTON – July 28, 2008 – The housing bill that Congress passed Saturday and sent to President Bush would:
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FAR launches ‘Give Me 5 for Florida’s Future’ to support Amendment 5
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – July 22, 2008 – With the bipartisan support of State Reps. Frank Attkisson (R-Kissimmee) and Darryl Rouson (D-St. Petersburg), the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR) today launched its “Give Me Five for Florida’s Future” grassroots campaign supporting passage of Amendment 5 in the general election on Nov. 4, 2008.
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Crist signs real estate bills into law
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – June 18, 2008 – Gov. Charlie Crist signed one of FAR’s top legislative initiatives yesterday: Florida’s “highest and best use” property assessment standard will become fairer on Sept. 1, 2008, under HB 909 by Rep. Peter Nehr (R-Tarpon Springs). Starting in September, the state will retain the “highest and best use” standard, but “best use” has been clarified and, for property tax purposes, must adhere to reasonable and fair standards.
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Crist signs health insurance bill and hopes to offer coverage in 2009
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – May 21, 2008 – Governor Charlie Crist signed SB 2534, which will provide affordable health insurance options to 3.8 million uninsured Floridians. The Cover Florida plan will allow the state to negotiate with health insurers to develop affordable health coverage for uninsured Floridians ages 19 to 64. Small businesses will also be able to offer employees a variety of limited health care plans and services through a centralized clearinghouse.
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NO NEW TAXES – BUT NEW FEES
Florida lawmakers approved numerous new fees this year but not new taxes. Still, landlords will now pay $265 to file eviction actions against tenants, marking a 400-percent jump from $75. Florida Association of Realtors lobbyist Trey Price says the group opposes the dramatic increase, noting that renters will pay the price in the end.
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Health plan advances in state Senate
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – April 3, 2008 – There’s some promising news from the state capital for the thousands of Florida Realtors seeking affordable health insurance. Yesterday, a Senate committee unanimously approved a bill that would allow private insurers to offer preventive, primary and urgent care coverage, including hospitalization, to individuals, with some types of coverage costing as little as $150 a month.
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U.S. health care system must be reformed, say nine out of 10 Realtors
U.S. health care system must be reformed, say nine out of 10 Realtors
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Florida Realtors descend on Tallahassee for Great American Realtor Days
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – March 26, 2008 – Nearly 1,000 Realtors converged on Tallahassee yesterday for the two-day “Great American Realtor Days.” FAR members are meeting with their personal representatives as advocates for Realtors’ top initiatives this year – property tax relief, property insurance, affordable housing and health insurance.
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2008 sessions of the Florida Legislature begins
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – March 5, 2008 – Similar goals, diverse tactics: On the first day of the 2008 session of the Florida Legislature, the governor and legislative leaders outlined their goals and challenges. Most shared ongoing concerns about issues FAR considers major points, such as additional property tax relief.
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Tax reform, insurance top FAR’s ’08 legislative agenda
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – March 4, 2008 – Barely a month has passed since Florida voters approved Amendment 1, allowing many property owners to transfer a portion of their Save Our Homes savings to a new homestead. Today, FAR officers and legislative leadership are in Tallahassee to encourage legislators to pick up where voters left off.
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Florida Realtors and homebuilders to work together in Tallahassee
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Feb. 29, 2008 – The Florida Association of Realtors (FAR) and the Florida Home Builders Association (FHBA) agreed to work together this year to promote legislation important to the state’s homeowners and housing industry. FAR President Chuck Bonfiglio met with FHBA earlier this month and, calling it a “family reunion,” notes that the groups share important goals, including an increase in affordable housing funding and additional property tax relief.
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Amendment 1 To-Dos
Clients calling about portability, the additional homestead exemption or other benefits of Amendment 1?
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Florida lawmakers rethinking backup insurance coverage
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Feb. 11, 2008 – Florida lawmakers may revisit property insurance changes instigated last year. A $12 billion increase in state-backed reinsurance was supposed to drop homeowners’ premiums, but it didn’t work that way. And some legislators now think the state’s increased financial risk faced overshadows the minimal savings.
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Voters say ‘Yes on 1’
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Jan. 30, 2008 –Realtors around the state expect buyers and sellers’ pent up demand to generate an immediate increase in home sales following passage yesterday of Amendment 1, which allows buyers to take their Save Our Homes tax savings with them when they move.
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Governor to Realtors: You’re about to make history
ORLANDO, Fla. – Jan. 25, 2008 – With green and orange “Vote Yes On 1” signs raised high, Florida Realtors greeted Gov. Charlie Crist this morning with a standing ovation, thanking Crist for his efforts to cut property taxes. The governor addressed Realtors attending the Florida Association of Realtors®’ (FAR) Mid-Winter Business Meetings in Orlando.
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Bill seeks better loans for borrowers
WASHINGTON – Dec. 12, 2007 – Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., is expected to introduce a bill that would require mortgage lenders to issue only loans that are beneficial to borrowers and that borrowers are able to repay.
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House bill addresses lack of affordable housing for seniors
WASHINGTON – Dec. 6, 2007 – The U.S. House approved legislation sponsored by Rep. Tim Mahoney, D-Fla., that revamps HUD’s Section 202 program to boost the number of affordable housing units available to the elderly.
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HOW’S FLORIDA DOING?
Gov. Charlie Crist promised to make Florida government more accessible to the public, and a new Web site seems to do just that. Florida Performs compiles data from a variety of sources to provide a synopsis of the Florida’s current state of affairs on major issues.
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The latest version of property tax reform: How it works
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Nov. 1, 2007 – The Florida Legislature, caught in a game of “chicken,” approved a measure that will appear before voters on the Jan. 29, 2008, ballot. With time working against them, lawmakers agreed on a measure that scaled back earlier initiatives, and even current reforms pushed by the House.
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Florida Legislature passes property tax reform in time for January ballot
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Oct. 30, 2007 – It’s voters’ turn: The Florida Legislature passed property tax reform and a proposed amendment will appear on the January ballot. The amendment offers moderate relief for homeowners and slight relief for commercial property, but it does not go as far as an earlier House proposal. To become law, the proposal must still receive 60 percent of the votes in the Jan. 29, 2008, election.
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Florida Realtors take center stage at GOP convention
ORLANDO, Fla. – Oct. 22, 2007 – For the 3,000 delegates who attended the Florida Republican Party’s two-day Presidency IV convention in Orlando this past weekend, there was no question that Florida Realtors were on the scene.
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Florida House passes property tax reform legislation
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Oct. 23, 2007 – The Florida House passed a bipartisan property tax reform package yesterday by a 108-2 vote that addresses many issues important to Florida Realtors. House leaders consider the almost-unanimous vote an indication of that legislative body’s dedication to the plan. It now goes to the Senate for consideration.
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FAR issues Call-to-Action for property tax reform
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Oct. 17, 2007 – A Florida House committee approved significant property tax relief yesterday afternoon that creates a 3 percent assessment cap on non-homestead and commercial properties that the state currently offers only to homestead properties.
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Florida laws effective today: Mortgage fraud and title insurance
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Oct. 1, 2007 – Two new laws approved during the regular session of the Florida Legislature take effect today. SB 1824 creates new mortgage rules and greater transparency in the lending process. HB 111 effectively deregulates closing services and requires out-of-state title insurance agents to follow the same legal rules as in-state agents.
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FAR backs tax amendment and remains committed to quick relief for homeowners
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Sept. 26, 2007 – For the leadership of the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR) and Tallahassee staff, it’s steady as she goes in the fight for a property tax amendment on the January ballot – but there could be rough waters ahead.
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Crist continues push for increase in affordable housing to rev economy
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Sept. 13, 2007 – Gov. Charlie Crist addressed Jacksonville- area business leaders at the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Cornerstone Luncheon yesterday, and provided details about his recommended economic stimulus package sent last week to Senate Pres. Ken Pruitt and House Speaker Marco Rubio.
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Trim Down
Check it out – your property taxes probably went down. State residents will soon receive their “truth in millage” statements, or TRIM, that give property owners information on next year’s property taxes.
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Property Tax Reform
FAR supports the property tax reform amendment going before voters in January. It does two things to jumpstart the state’s sluggish home sales market: It provides substantial tax breaks for most first-time homebuyers, and it begins to address the “locked-in” effect felt by long-term homeowners who cannot afford to move – even to downsize – because they would be forced to pay substantially higher property taxes.
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Justices send property tax ballot question to circuit court
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – July 12, 2007 – The state Supreme Court sent to a lower court Thursday a question over whether a proposed property tax initiative can go on the January ballot.
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Crist signs home inspector licensing bill
June 28, 2007 – It’s official: Gov. Charlie Crist signed SB 2234, which creates a program to license home, mold and wind mitigation inspectors working in Florida. But don’t expect quick changes. The new law becomes effective July 1, 2010.
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Property tax relief approved as Florida Legislature adjourns
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – June 15, 2007 – The end came quickly for the 2007 Florida Legislature’s special session on property taxes with an agreement that would give current homesteaders a choice between their Save Our Homes benefits or a new super-homestead exemption. The Legislature adjourned at 6:28 p.m. yesterday, with the House and Senate passing three bills – an immediate statutory rollback and cap of property tax rates, a proposed constitutional amendment creating a super-homestead exemption that, under the third bill, will be considered by voters on Jan. 29, 2008, in conjunction with the state’s presidential preference primary.
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FAR: Property tax reform does not go far enough
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – June 14, 2007 – The Florida Legislature could vote as early as today on its property tax reform plan. The Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR) issued a Call-to-Action earlier today, asking Realtors to tell their lawmakers that the proposal does not go far enough. |
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