I don't think it's going to be voted on til June

Here is a link that might be useful: Florida property tax relief?

I just moved out of Florida.

I would not count on anything or even expect it until it is a done deal. Politicians are hearing about this from voters every waking moment, and IMO they will say anything to get folks to stop talking about it for a month or two. Special interest groups and lobbyists still own the state and have the politicians in their back pockets.

I am sorry to sound so cynical, but the state of affairs in Florida is extremely dismal right now and I simply wouldn't hold my breath.

I don't think the state of affairs is dismal in Florida and truth be told there are more people that are just fine with our property taxes than those who are against it.

Let's face it anyone who bought and overpaid within the last 5 years is upset, that leaves a lot more people who have not been affected so drastically.

But to answer the question, I wouldn't hold my breath for any relief. I think you have a bunch of politicians going through the motions of "listening to the people" and that's the end of it. We have a special session scheduled for June and it seems like every politician has his idea of how to reduce taxes. Even if they can agree on something, most cities and counties feel it is too late this year as they need their budgets finished and many of the ideas would require being put on a ballot, which means 2008.

The FL special session is set for June. But it is likely that the citizens need to approve (vote) on it as well if the bill that is approved means raising the state sales tax to offset the reduction in property taxes.

And I doubt it passes the public vote. This is because every county, city and other local government entity is already crying that they will be flat broke with any changes. They are planning layoffs, eliminating programs and services and they are scaring the daylights out of employees and citizens as well. They already have a heavy campaign of letters to the editors, newspaper editorials, TV and radio interviews and meetings with employees. What is going to occur is employees and families of employees that work for any government (non federal) entity in FL are going to vote NO on the tax plan. they will do this for fear of losing their jobs. There are mass volumes of employees in these public jobs, enough to swing the vote so it fails.

So maybe it is time to sell your vacation condo. Financially, you are probably better off renting a place when you come visit. Renting, unfortunately, is cheaper than owning for many in FL due to the taxes (especially waterfront)

When the govt lowers one tax, it raises another. Stuff still needs to be paid for--roads, police, schools, etc. And those costs aren't going down.

As to home property taxes, Does florida have an income tax? no..... so the money has to come from somewhere, after all florida builds roads ALL the time (I lived there for a decade, if its green pave it over seem to be the motto)

Florida has a wealth tax - when my aunt moved there 15 years ago she had to pay a tax on her assets (intangible wealth).

If the second home relief come into effect it will be interesting. Politicians have nothing to gain by passing that legislation; the people with the second homes are usually out of staters who don't vote, so what's the political incentive? To distribute the taxes more evenly among residents that DO vote? I know my next door neighbors would be thrilled with a second home tax relief bill - they pay over $10K per year on their condo.

As to home property taxes, Does florida have an income tax? no..... so the money has to come from somewhere, after all florida builds roads ALL the time (I lived there for a decade, if its green pave it over seem to be the motto)

The problem to many people isn't the property tax OR where the money is coming from. The problem lies in the fact that so many properties doubled and tripled within the last 5 years; coupled with our Save Our Homes Amendment. S.O.H. says we can't be assessed more than 3% each year.

So 2 people can be living in identical houses one paid $100,000; the other 5 years later paid $500,000. The first pays around $2500 in taxes the second is paying over $10,000 in taxes.

Needless to say the longterm homeowners could give a hoot less about what the new homeowners are paying. Long term homeowners will only be affected IF and when they decide to sell.

It's a very heated issue and one that affects the major cities moreso than all of Florida. Which is why the politicians will walk away from the special session in a stalemate.

One other thing. It's totally amazing how many of our cities are unable to cut millage rates. Many cities have seen their income literally double in 5 years, but most have built up no reserve and still cry "if they cut property taxes, we have to cut fire and police".

I now live in glorious Florida. I love it here. It is my primary and only home.

My understanding is any property tax relief obtained by raising the sales tax only applied to homesteaded properties. Therefore, your 2nd home would still be subject to the same property taxes. You would be better off selling it if you can and just renting when you come down on vacation.

And if the county you live in whines enough, even the homesteaded properties won't be exempt. That's what Suwannee County is trying to do, crying the blues claiming they'll have to cut services, yet nobody is out there beating the bushes trying to get in some industry and/or businesses to improve the tax base. We already pay an extra 6 cents a gallon for gas and the extra homestead exemption for seniors was denied by the tax assessor so seniors get no relief.

Crist also said he expects property taxes to "drop like a rock" when a special legislative session convenes June 12 to address that issue.

People aren't selling their homes now because they don't want to lose their 3 percent cap on property assessments, paying much higher taxes on their new homes, Crist said.

"The residential housing market as of late has cooled a bit, in great part because property taxes and property insurance is so high," he said. "... As soon as these things change, we won't have a boom in Florida. We will have a sonic boom in this state."

Crist promised "a significant property tax cut to citizens who expect it and deserve it. You've been crushed by property taxes."

I don't think the state of affairs is dismal in Florida and truth be told there are more people that are just fine with our property taxes than those who are against it.
I was referring to the combination of property taxes, homeowners insurance, and the host of other problems the state has. Personally I do see $6000 a year for insurance as dismal. Thankfully I was one of the few that sold in April- the hugely inflated home prices served me very, very well as a seller who had owned a home for decades.

Xamsx - FL did away with the intangible tax last year

Another proposal I am hearing about is a tiered tax system something like this:
the first $300,000 assessed value would be 80% exempt
the next $700,000 would be 70% exempt and
over $1,000,000 would be 60% exempt

This plan would give the most tax relief to those that bought over the last few year and those buying in the future. If you've been in your home for many years, your taxes are already pretty low comparatively speaking.

Unless some drastic measure is decided upon and then voted on, FL will see some real hurt. People are hesitant on buying. People can't afford to buy because of taxes & insurance. People are losing their homes because of taxes & insurance. People are leaving the state because of t & i.

Unless some drastic measure is decided upon and then voted on, FL will see some real hurt

Not really. Housing is in a slump NATIONWIDE. Property taxes are still lower in Florida than many other comparable "desirable areas". Florida is NOT the only state having problems with insurance companies upping rates and leaving town.

What we do have is the daily media propaganda trying it's best to brainwash. Reality is not everyone can afford to live in a "desirable area" and no where is it somehow your birthright to do so.

....and for all of the former Floridians that want to say how great Georgia, N.C. Tenn. etc. are, I say good for you; I'll stay right here thank you.

Ok, can I pick up my home up and move it to Florida?

That article said "For example, a $300,000 home purchased last year in the Panhandle's Okaloosa County now is taxed $4,125 after the $25,000 exemption is deducted."

I live in Illinois, 30 miles from Chicago. My home and the land it sits on is valued at $198.00. I pay just under $6000 a year in property taxes. Next bill it might be $6000 because last election... I swear the majority of voters just checked yes.

How are public schools paid for in Florida? Almost $3400 a year of my property taxes go to schools and my kids are grown adults.