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Adventures in Tallahassee with the Florida Association of Realtors

By
Real Estate Agent with Sand Dollar Realty Group, Inc. BK627826

The week before last I got to attend the Florida Association of Realtors (FAR) annual meeting in Tallahassee with Florida legislators.  The big issue with the legislature is the State's budget which is hurting big time this year.  The legislature is looking at big cuts in just about every department from education to transportation.  While at the same time they are looking to raise fees yet again in just about every place they can get away with.

        

The big issues for FAR are getting the Sunrail (the 60+ mile commuter rail) system approved.  There are hundreds of millions of dollars in federal money on the line here.  There is big potential to stimulate the Central Florida economy if the rail system does happen.  I have big concerns about the economic feasibility of the whole commuter rail idea especially considering that after 20 years South Florida's Tri-Rail system is an economic "train wreck" (pun intended) by pretty much all accounts.  However at the same time I do realize that simply putting in more roads or widening the interstates can only go so far to move people around.  You can read more about my thoughts and opinions on Sunrail in a previous blog article.  This bill is headed for a full senate vote next week.  Personally I don't care one way or another what happens here.  I do think long-term that something does have to change with Florida's transportation.

Another big issue is the Wekiva Basin septic system regulations.  This is a major negative that could affect a large chunk of northwest Central Florida and eventually could affect every septic system in the state.  If you own a house with a septic system in Florida, just imagine the impact when you have to replace it with a new $20,000 system that runs off of electricity (increases your power bill) and requires semi-annual inspections ($300+ every 6 months). Oh what fun. This is Senate Bill SB 274.  Since Senator Lee Constatine (my state senator) is the sponsor of this bill, I will affectionately call this proposed system the "Constantine Crap-omatic Septic System."  No offense Mr. Constantine, after all it is YOUR BILL.

Governor Crist did throw his support behind a bill CS/SJR 532 pending in the legislature that would give first time homebuyers a new property tax exemption as well as cap the annual increase of value on non-homestead property at 5% per year. 

The last issue that I reflect on is HB 5117 which proposes to reduce the cost of filing Count 1 on an eviction back down from the ridiculous $265 to a more reasonable $90.  I'm not sure if this will pass, but we can sure hope. Consider contacting your legislator today.

You can read up on all of FAR's top initiatives on their website floridarealtors.org.  It has been an interesting year so far.  The Spring session ends next week and I will do my best to provide a detailed report on what did and didn't pass in 2009.

The best thing of the whole trip was the chance to spend time with the movers and shakers in Central Florida's real estate community as well as meet face-to-face with several local legislators like Chris Dorworth, Scott Plakon, Gary Siplin, Lee Constantine, & Andy Gardiner as well as to hear from Governor Charlie Crist and CFO Alex Sink. 

If you are interested in getting involved in real estate related legislative issues, feel free to contact me.  I am involved with the Orlando Regional Realtor Association Government Affairs Committee and the Central Florida Realty Investors Legislative Committee.  I can get your thoughts and concerns in front of the right people, if you just let me know.

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(Copyright © 2009. Sand Dollar Realty Group, Inc. All rights reserved.)   Subscribe to my blog via RSS feed.

Rob Arnold - Your full service and investor friendly Realtor ® in Orlando and Central Florida.

ABR, CPL, CRB, CSP, GRI, Managing real estate broker, Notary Public

407-389-7318 / 1-877-389-7318 www.SDRhouses.com   We Buy Houses Florida

We sell foreclosures, short sales, and bank owned REO properties throughout Central Florida. We sell and list Central Florida real estate and Orlando real estate. Free list of foreclosure and short sale houses available.

I also provide flat fee MLS listings, For Sale By Owner, and menu-based services in most parts of Central & South Florida, the Space Coast, and the Treasure Coast including Orlando, Winter Park, Maitland, Ocoee, Winter Garden, Apopka, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Longwood, Winter Springs, Oviedo, Lake Mary, Sanford, Deltona, Debary, Deland, Mount Dora, Eustis, Clermont, Kissimmee, Winter Haven, Lakeland, Tampa, Sarasota, Bradenton, Miami-Dade, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Port Saint Lucie, Melbourne, Daytona Beach, Ocala, Gainesville, Palatka, Jacksonville, Volusia, Brevard, and more. 

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