Refinements Announced to House Democratic Tax Proposal

Florida House of Representatives leadership announced a “refinement proposal” late on Friday, October 19, 2007 that includes a guaranteed Save Our Homes minimum benefit for homesteaded property and a Save Our Homes-like benefit for non-homestead and commercial property.

Lead House property tax negotiator Representative Dean Cannon described the refinements as not significantly altering the $11 billion bottom line of the current (House) tax proposal, but rather maximizing that amount by targeting the relief toward people who need it most.   

House Speaker Marco Rubio announced to Members on Friday that Senate President Ken Pruitt does not intend to call the Senate back into session until next week. 

The House now stands in recess and did not take up any bills on the last Special Order Calendar.  Instead, the House will reconvene on Monday, Oct. 22 at 3:00 p.m., which allows Members to continue filing amendments until the new amendment deadline at 1 p.m. the same day.

A copy of the House announcement, updated tax plan and numerical data is attached for your review.

Below is a press release and statement by House Minority Leader Dan Gelber:

Statement By Leader Gelber On The Revised House Property Tax Relief Proposal

TALLAHASSEE- Rep. Dean Cannon (R-Winter Park) today released the revised House of Representatives property tax relief proposal. The proposal embraces many of the ideas advanced by House Democrats that provides greater relief to Floridians needing it the most. The revised proposal also includes provisions regarding limits to local government and non-homestead assessment caps below 7-percent. House Democratic Leader Dan Gelber (D-Miami Beach) issued the following statement on the revised proposal:

“I am heartened with the progress being made in the House to deliver meaningful property tax relief to all Floridians. I think we’re headed in the right direction.

“The revised proposal in the House embraces many of the ideas advanced by House Democrats that preserves Save Our Homes, delivers targeted relief to Floridians who need it the most, offers portability and minimizes the impact to school budgets. It also includes widely supported provisions intended to deliver relief to businesses, low income renters and waterfront businesses.

“The remaining issues relate to whether the state should impose an assessment cap similar to Save Our Homes but on non-homestead property, and whether the legislature should be granted authority to control county and city millages.  These are big issues that need to be more fully explored as I am not yet sure there is consensus for them in the legislature or with the public. I am particularly concerned that the cap will severely impact local government and school district budgets and that the impact will accelerate over time. I believe all of us recognize that any final product — no matter its merit — has to pass with the support of a large majority of Floridians.

“I commend Speaker Rubio and Chairman Cannon for their willingness to accept new solutions that are in the best interest of Floridians and for conducting a more transparent process.  I am hopeful that compromise will be reached next week on a tax relief package that balances relief to Floridians with the financial impact to school districts and local governments.”

 

Should you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact this office.