PROPERTY TAX RELIEF -- STARTING OVER AGAIN

Word from those watching the Florida State Legislature is that lawmakers are starting over again in crafting a plan to reduce property taxes for homeowners in Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, Juno, Jupiter, North Palm and throughout the state.

The first proposal given serious consideration involved rolling back tax bills to 2001 levels and then increasing them in proportion to specific economic indices, such as the Consumer Price Index.  That was coupled with a plan to abolish taxes for homesteaded properties and raise the sales tax by about 2.5 cents.  This was abandoned.

While it sounded good for homesteaded property owners, especially those with high end property, it met with strong opposition from municipal and county governments whose budgets would be cut significantly. 

Another suggestion gaining ink in Tallahassee is one allowing portability in homesteaded properties.  This would allow property owners who have homesteaded to take all or a portion of their homestead benefits -- the financial effect of a cap on property tax increases -- with them to a new home that they purchase.  The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser, Gary Nikolits, is a major proponent of this plan.

As attractive as it would be to eliminate all property taxes for homesteaders, most of us realize we need to pay property taxes.  We just want the system to be fair to everyone.  That should include permanent residents and part time residents.   

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