Special Session D Adjourns; House Accepts Scaled-Down Senate Tax Plan

On October 29, 2007 at 7:06 p.m., the Florida Legislature adjourned Sine Die of Special Session 2007-D after passing legislation to propose amendments to the State Constitution relating to ad valorem taxation. 

This is the second proposed constitutional amendment on this issue passed by the Legislature this year.  However, the first amendment is working its way through a legal challenge as to its constitutionality. 

As a result, the Legislature and the Governor convened Special Session D to propose a new constitutional amendment for voter approval on the January 29, 2008 ballot.

Below is a brief summary of the Special Session D bills that passed:

 

Senate Bill 2D Relating to Ad Valorem Taxes/Tangible Personal Property

1.         Allows portability of  Save Our Homes.

2.         Doubles the Homestead Exemption to $50,000 from $25,000.

3.         Provides a 10 percent cap on annual assessments for businesses and second homes (the cap would not apply to property taxes that fund public schools).

 

Senate Bill 4D Relating to Ad Valorem Taxation

Implements the statutory requirements for the joint resolution.

 

Senate Bill 6D Relating to Special Election/Ad Valorem Taxation

Appropriates state funds to pay for a statewide referendum and authorizes a statewide referendum on January 29, 2008 to allow voters to decide whether to pass or defeat constitutional amendments dealing with ad valorem taxation.

Some controversial provisions that were not included in the legislation were provisions for low-income seniors, first-time home buyers and waterfront commercial property   Also, a proposal that would have made it easier for businesses to challenge property assessments was not included.

 

Next, the bills will go to Governor Crist, who is expected to sign them.  Finally, the plan must receive support from 60 percent of voters in a statewide referendum.

The Governor issued a statement as follows:

“I congratulate Senate President Ken Pruitt and House Speaker Marco Rubio – as well as Senator Dan Webster, Representative Dean Cannon, Senator Steve Geller, Speaker Designate Ray Sansom and Senator Jeff Atwater – for their bold leadership and determination to pass property-tax cuts for the people of Florida.  They have worked hard and kept focused on the needs of Florida’s homeowners, businesses, schools and our state as a whole. 

“Their work ensures that the people of Florida will have the opportunity to vote on January 29th to lower their property taxes even more.  I applaud the Legislature for doing what is right for Florida’s future.  Florida is a great place to live, learn, work and play, and cutting property taxes will help keep Florida affordable for families and businesses.”

 

 

Should you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact this office.