Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–September 10
Sep 10, 2010
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THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA — Judge: Amendment 8 OK For Ballot
A proposal critics say lets state lawmakers off the funding hook for a 2002 amendment to limit class size remains on track to go before voters in November, following a circuit court ruling Friday that clears the way for its inclusion on the ballot.
About $28 million in federal education funds headed to First Coast
But officials say it may not be enough to cover cost of initiatives
First Coast school districts are expecting about $28 million in federal education funds to try innovative programs starting in the 2011-12 school year.
Column: South Florida paradox — Falling home values, rising tax bills
South Florida’s property tax system can be confusing, so let me do my best to explain it.
THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA: Florida’s budget shortfall is less than expected
Florida’s looming budget shortfall has been shrunk in half by state analysts who credit federal stimulus dollars, years of spending cuts and Indian gambling money as helping forge a brighter picture – but one that could still leave the state in a $2.5 billion hole.
Blog: Broward cities jacking up tax rates
Nearly three-fourths of the cities in Broward County are poised to raise property tax rates this year. So are county government, the School Board and area hospital systems.
Broward cities to face budget showdowns
Here’s a look at what your hometown is doing to finalize its spending plan for the upcoming year — and when you can have your say
Broward cities are braced for another brutal budget season in the midst of the worst economic crisis in 70 years.
Palm Beach County School Board passes 2010-11 budget with 2 percent tax increase
Now that this year’s Palm Beach County schools budget has passed, it’s not too early to start worrying about next year’s budget.
Hernando School Board passes its $325.6 million budget without major cuts
The Hernando School Board officially put its 2010-11 budget to bed Tuesday evening without resorting to any nightmarish cuts, as officials initially had feared.
Property devaluation hits CRA budgets, projects hard
Today’s poor economic conditions have changed a lot of things, among them municipal budgets and the tax revenue that drives them.
Almost a quarter of all foreign buyers in U.S. choose Florida property
International buyers have helped buttress Florida’s real estate market with 22 percent of all foreign clients nationally choosing property in the Sunshine State.
Florida reverses 2009 population decline
Florida posted a slight increase in population this year, but head counts in Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie counties continue to edge down, the University of Florida said Thursday.
Courts work to clear housing cases
When attorneys and judges complain that foreclosures are clogging the courts, this is what they are talking about: roughly 24,000 properties in Sarasota and Manatee counties are in foreclosure but have not been retaken, and many have seen no legal activity in almost a year.
Latest tax increases create a perfect storm for retirees
Like us, many of your readers probably recently received their Duval County Notice of Proposed Property Tax Increase for 2010.
Ocala schools chief nixes critical-needs tax
Last year, the Marion County School Board voted down a proposed tax hike to pay for special school programs.
South Florida water managers tentatively pass $1 billion budget
Controversial Everglades land deal is part of spending plan; final vote on Sept. 21
An Everglades restoration land deal with U.S. Sugar Corp. moves forward – without raising property tax rates – under a $1 billion budget initially approved Wednesday by the South Florida Water Management District.
Solar power won’t raise homes’ tax value, Duval property appraiser says
Appraiser hasn’t factored units into home values
Outfitting a house with solar power panels might cost you $40,000.
Commentary: Full financial disclosure needed on transit tax
If you buy a car or a home, the seller must disclose the full price, including full debt and interest. That is the law. It protects consumers and gives them full notice of the financial commitment they are getting into.
South Florida’s wish list for stimulus funds tops $3 billion
The wish list is enormous: From $4 million worth of fire sprinkler systems and alarm upgrades at Miami International Airport, to millions of dollars of new ramps on the Palmetto Expressway, to a new $100 million interchange on Oakland Park Boulevard west of Florida’s Turnpike in Broward County.
Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Requirements to Toughen
University of South Florida freshman Karsen Lonzo arrived this fall confident her Bright Futures scholarship would largely cover this year’s $5,200 tuition and fees.
Deaths Challenge Florida Beach-Driving Tradition
Sandy Fletcher, a bartender with a dark tan at the Breakers beachfront restaurant here, remembers seeing the commotion in July.
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