It's no wonder I talk to my hound. I need his advise and how to hound some sense into some of my fellow Floridians.
The proposed tax amendment to be voted on next January gives current Florida residents a choice to keep the "Save Our Homes" exemption they now have or to opt over to the new "Super Exemption." In other words they can have their cake and eat it to.
Yet, a recent poll showed only 55 percent of homeowners favoring the new amendment and since a constitution amendment requires 60 percent, that spells D E F E A T.
Here's what I hear:
"I don't know which to choose."Do I really have to do a math problem online? Anyone needing help, seek out your financial adviser, your banker or even your mortgage company.
"We should be able to transfer "Save Our Homes." Well, you can't do it now so what's the difference. Move from one home in Florida to another in Florida and the sunshine in your current tax exemption is gone. The "Super Exemption" applies to all homesteaded property so when you start making children and need a bigger spread, you will be able to do so.
No one can argue that the concept of not taxing someone out of their home is nice. But, let's face it. "Save Our Homes" doesn't work and it is grossly unfair. One condo can be accessed at $120,000 and the exact condo next door at $420,000 based solely on the date purchased.
If there is one fault with the new proposal, it is that the 75 percent deduction on the first $200,000 is too high. It creates too much disparity between homestead property and second home and investor property.
Oh, I forgot the worse comment of all. "I don't vote because I don't like politicians." Hey, I don't like them either but I vote and you should at the minimum vote to approve the new amendment. As for the politicians, just write in "none of the above."
Randy Chapman
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