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Jackie Colson-Miller

Jackie Colson-Miller, CIPS
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Florida Property Tax Reform…I am Voting “NO”…Must Read…How Will You Vote?…Tampa Real Estate News

The Vote on The Florida Property Tax…Amendment 1…is just days away. The Governor, The Media, The Florida Association of Realtors and many other groups are trying to appease homeowners with a “band-aid” fix to the Florida Property Tax issue. Local Governments are using the “scare tactic” that we will lose our basic services. I am a longtime-homeowner and a Real Estate agent. I am TIRED of the media failing to give Floridians ALL of the facts, so I have spent many months researching this issue and explaining why I am opposed to it. I want REAL tax reform, not a band-aid that perpetuates the problem. This article is VERY long…please take the time to read it and VOTE at the end.

I will continue to bring you the latest information and, of course, my opinion on Tax Reform in Florida. Please take the time to VOTE at the bottom of my comments…I am committed to make a difference in this inequitable system.

For MONTHS, I have been discussing the ongoing saga of the Property Tax Reform Issue. In my opinion, the latest plan is the WORST yet.

Let’s start with the reason we are in this situation in the first place….The “Save Our Homes” amendment…what was intended to keep longtime Florida homeowners from being taxed out of their homes has become a nightmare. The annual 3% cap on assessed property values required by the amendment has kept many property owners “trapped” in their homes, because moving to a smaller home could still raise their tax bill. Neighboring homeowners pay drastically different property tax bills, based on the time they purchased. Recent homebuyers pay the lion’s share of the taxes in the state, because of the rise in market values over the past several years. Let’s use the correct term for this inequity…DISCRIMINATION. Long-time homeowners are treated differently, and taxed differently, than new homeowners. Let’s call it “age discrimination” of the worst kind. The bizarre twist in all of it, is that long-time homeowners really feel “entitled” to “steal” from the recent homebuyers.

If you bought a car in the year 2000, would you expect to still pay “year 2000″ prices for gas? Do you expect Verizon to charge you “year 2000″ prices for your phone service, while your new neighbor subsidizes your phone bill with “year 2008″ rates? It is absolutely ludicrous that this tax system was ever introduced, or allowed to continue.

I’m not sure how anyone could claim that properties with the same market value should not be assessed at the same rate, but therein lies the problem created by the “Save Our Homes” amendment. To further compound the problem, now the latest plan includes “portablility”…the ability to take your “Save Our Homes” capped assessment with you to the next house…That is a great way to perpetuate the problem…but it sounds great to the voters who don’t understand the long-term implications. The “old” homeowners get to take their savings with them to a new home and the “new” homeowners continue to subsidize them.

** Again…discrimination…long-time homeowners get all the tax breaks at the expense of new homeowners.** The solution: a much-lowered millage rate AND the elimination of the discriminatory practices in the tax system. Or, “consumption-based” taxes tied to a new sales tax. Low-income residents, young, or old, would benefit. Taxes would be fair and equitable.

The average homeowner will get a $240 tax break with this plan. What they will also get, is the END to any further property tax reform. If this amendment is passed, the deal will be done and the discrimination will continue.


I have said this many times…IF WE VOTE NO, THE PLAN GOES TO THE FLORIDA BUDGET AND TAXATION COMMISSION FOR A NEW PLAN…THEY ARE ALREADY WORKING ON IT…

I would like each of you to think about what happened to the “windfall” of taxes created by the increased property taxes of the past few years. Think about why the local governments are vehemently opposed to cutting property taxes. Think about whether we have had an increase in services, better roads, etc. The answer is NO. From 2001 to the present, our population grew less than 15%, while our tax revenues grew by over 60%, some reports put that number at over 90%. Where did all that revenue go? Answer: Into the benefits packages and increased wages of government workers…well beyond the annual cost of living increase. The local governments took the windfall and SPENT, and SPENT AND SPENT! Now, they are whining about Budget cuts and claiming your services will be cut. They aren’t offering to take their benefits packages back to the pre-windfall levels, though. They are just whining. And the media isn’t telling the real story about where our tax dollars were spent. Why? The lobbyists…they lobby for the cigarette industry, for the tourism industry, for the counties, for the alcohol industry…Who lobbies for the Property Owners? NO ONE. We have to lobby for ourselves.

We should expect our government officials to exercise fiscal responsibility. They need to follow the example of what a CEO in a private company would do: CUT BACK…eliminate benefits, freeze wages, get government workers to understand they are not “entitled” to anything that the tax revenues cannot provide. How many employees would choose to leave for a career in private industry where they would be subject to the “real world” of budgets. Not many. Services would not be cut, but the government would learn to operate more efficiently. We need to review our leaders fiscal responsibility before every election!

I AM in favor of meaningful Property Tax Reform…one that benefits all property owners. I AM in favor of spreading the tax burden across all Floridians, and all of those who visit this State and enjoy it’s benefits without sharing in it’s burden. I just returned from a week in Las Vegas, where I attended two Real Estate conferences. I was “floored” by the high taxes on everything related to the hotel and restaurant industries. Florida, and the lure of Disney and the beaches, is not dissimilar, but our taxes related to tourism are far less. I AM in favor of more consumption taxes: hotels, alcohol, cigarettes, sales taxes. I AM in favor of little or No Property Tax, with an increase in consumption taxes. Non-homestead property owners should pay property taxes, but at significantly lowered rates. With an increase in sales taxes (which are tax deductible on your Federal Tax return) those who buy more services and goods, would pay more in taxes. More disposable income would create more spending and more tax revenue. Home ownership would be affordable, not a financial burden. The elderly would not be taxed out of their homes.

That, in a nutshell…is my solution. I am Voting “NO” on January 29th, because this plan is not the long-term solution for a better Florida. What do you think? Leave me a comment and vote in the poll below!
<a href=”http://www.polldaddy.com” >surveys</a> – <a href=”http://www.polldaddy.com/p/139835/” >Take Our Poll</a>

Here is the latest proposal from Florida Speaker of the House, Marco Rubio…what do you think? It’s MUCH better than the plan that is up for a vote…

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This entry was posted on Thursday, January 17th, 2008 at 6:48 pm and is filed under Property Taxes in Florida, Real Estate News, Tampa Real Estate. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

22 Responses to “Florida Property Tax Reform…I am Voting “NO”…Must Read…How Will You Vote?…Tampa Real Estate News”

  1. Charles Woodall, Dothanhomesearch.com says:
    November 18, 2007 at 10:25 pm

    While we here in the Dothan real estate market certainly have benefited from your high property taxes in Florida, I do empathize with you. I hope you are able to get the word out to voters in the Tampa area to vote NO on this particular property tax reform measure. Make the politicians get it right before it is too late.

  2. Kevin says:
    November 19, 2007 at 12:39 am

    Hey J-
    Completely agree with all!

  3. Anne says:
    November 19, 2007 at 11:28 am

    I am 100% with you on this one…but I wonder…if the issue gets voted down and they have to come up with a new plan, do we have to wait another YEAR before it’s voted on? That’s not going to help the sagging market!

  4. Jackie Colson-Miller says:
    November 19, 2007 at 9:24 pm

    So far…92% of my readers are voting AGAINST the amendment…But then again, MY readers are better-informed than the average voter…we need to keep educating the public that a better plan exits, but this proposal is NOT a good one!

  5. jon says:
    November 20, 2007 at 11:25 am

    Why do you see property tax reform as a one-time, all or nothing situation? If we wait for the perfect proposal, it might take years. In addition, tax review should be an ongoing activity. I prefer getting the current proposal on the books as it will give some relief to the “save our jail-cell” result of Save our Homes, then continue to pressure our elected officials to ensure the millage rate is appropriate, and that some of the tax burden is shifted away from property to consumption.

    Further, lets say we voters get a “perfect” tax proposal, followed by property values overcompensating to the downside. We will then face a true lack of funds for needed services.

    I think the lesson to be learned is that we voters can’t ignore taxes and just wait for the next imbalance, but need our representative’s commitment to continually review the tax rate and apportionment.

  6. The Best on The Vine, week of November 18 says:
    November 23, 2007 at 11:19 am

    [...] scene. I admire how she has her finger on the pulse of her market. Jackie talks this week about upcoming Florida property tax reform and how it will effect her audience. Undoubtably there will be Dothan Home Search reader effected [...]

  7. Pensacola Real Estate News » Florida Property Tax Reform - 2 Perspectives For Pensacola Residents says:
    November 23, 2007 at 10:45 pm

    [...] Jackie Colson-Miller is a Tampa Florida real estate agent whose blog I read regularly. I like Jackie’s writing a lot and value her opinions. Read her take on Florida tax reform at the Tampa Real Estate Sizzle blog.

  8. Pensacola Real Estate News says:
    November 23, 2007 at 10:50 pm

    Thanks for the post Jackie. You did a great job of presenting the Florida tax reform issue in a clear and informative way. I’ve pointed my readers to you also in the hopes they can gain knowledge from your article.

    Thanks
    Karl

  9. Paula at Indianapolis Real Estate says:
    November 24, 2007 at 8:27 am

    Jackie – Educating the consumer is key to action. Property tax reform for Tampa and Florida will begin when property owners decide to “lobby for themselves”.

    Our recent tax crisis had homeowners filing a civil suit. They were knocked down in court, but it did bring about the attention the issue needed.

    Good luck in your efforts Jackie -

  10. Jackie Colson-Miller says:
    November 24, 2007 at 10:12 am

    Thanks everyone…all I can do is educate the property owners. The media and the local governments all have an agenda. It is a BAD plan and the voters need to wait for a better one. Let’s get Charlie Crist focused on meaningful tax reform, instead of the VP ticket.

  11. Bastion Home says:
    November 27, 2007 at 5:05 pm

    Florida Property Tax Reform…How Informed Are You?…

    If you are a homeowner in Florida then you have no doubt been keeping an eye on the ongoing property tax reform issue. I can only speak for myself when I say that all the intricate details, scenarios, and possibilities…

  12. Derek at Bastion Home & Business Services says:
    November 27, 2007 at 5:17 pm

    Jackie – Admittedly, I have read just about every piece of available documentation regarding this issue that affects all Florida property owners and I believe that you have done the best job of ‘bringing it to the table’.

    It’s information like this that is so well articulated, that put you at the top of my list for my blogroll.

    Thank you!

  13. Pensacola Real Estate News says:
    December 17, 2007 at 10:16 am

    Thanks for bringing this back up. We need to keep it at the forefront as much as possible. I appreciate you taking a stand against this and explaining it in such a clear and understandable way. Great to have you as a Tampa real estate expert in our great state.

  14. John Fisher says:
    January 14, 2008 at 9:26 pm

    I agree with jon: I don’t see the property tax reform as a one-time, all or nothing situation? If we wait for the perfect proposal, it won’t happen. Continue to pressure our elected officials to ensure the tax burden is shifted away from property to consumption.

    I think the lesson to be learned is that we voters can’t ignore taxes and just wait for the next imbalance, but need our representative’s commitment to continually review the tax rate and apportionment.

    John

  15. 2008 Presidential Election » Florida Property Tax Reform…I am Voting “NO”…Must Read…How Will You Vote?…Tampa Real Estate News says:
    January 17, 2008 at 7:21 pm

    [...] Tampa Real Estate Blog, Homes in Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Condos placed an observative post today on Florida Property Tax Reformâ

  16. Mary Pope-Handy says:
    January 18, 2008 at 1:35 am

    Sorry to hear you have been feeling sick and hope you’re well soon!

    The upcoming election in Los Gatos is mostly about a proposed skatepark. I should blog about that…. So controversial….

    Hope life is treating you well. Great blog!

    Mary

  17. Palmetto Bay Redland Real Estate says:
    January 18, 2008 at 6:16 am

    Jackie, I, too, am voting NO. I have a post in the works to get the word out about the harm this amendment can cause. I need to get a move on! You did a fabulous job on this. Congrats. =)

  18. Jackie Colson-Miller says:
    January 18, 2008 at 10:57 am

    Thanks Maggie:

    Get writing…just today over 25% of the search words for my site were related to the Property Tax Reform. People are dying for REAL information and they aren’t getting it from the media. There are plenty of people who understand how bad this plan is for the long-term, but not enough people are speaking out. We have to do what we can to stop this!

  19. jon says:
    January 19, 2008 at 2:01 pm

    I see some consensus – between the Jo(h)ns anyway. We have the same opinion as State Rep. Julio Robaina who said “some relief was better than none”.

    I will vote for some immediate relief, and have also signed the citizen’s petition for additional cuts through cutpropertytaxesnow.com

  20. Florida Property Tax Reform…I am Voting “NO”…Must Read…How Will … | ImmediateRealEstate.com says:
    January 22, 2008 at 8:54 am

    [...] JoshMcLean article is brought to you using rss feeds.Here you will find the latest real estate news for buying and selling homes.The Vote on The Florida Property Tax…Amendment 1…is just days away. The Governor, The Media, The Florida Association of Realtors and many other groups are trying to appease homeowners… [[ This is a content summary only. … [...]

  21. Bill says:
    February 9, 2008 at 12:27 pm

    Well said.

    We’re Virginians and would love to move to Florida.

    But home insurance in Florida has skyrocketed, and so have real estate taxes.

    And I’m really not interested in paying, say, $8,000 in property taxes, while my neighbor with an identical house is paying $4,000…or $2,000.

    It’s not like I’m getting a gold-plated trash can for my extra tax payments.

    It isn’t even so much the high taxes (although that’s a deterrent — my taxes in Northern Virginia [not a low-tax area] are lower than they’d be in Florida), as it is the tax DIFFERENCE. Nobody wants to be a sucker. I don’t.

    And a lot of the folks I talk to, who are looking to “move South”, don’t either. They’re not all stupid, and they’re beginning to catch on to the idea that if they buy in Florida, they’re the sucker.

    I wish I had a better take on it. We’d love to move to Florida, but just can’t afford to get hosed.

  22. Pensacola Flortida Real Estate says:
    May 11, 2008 at 3:45 pm

    Well, some months now after tax cuts we are seeing the affect of less money from the state for county and local budgets. The cuts rolled down hill. Now we are seeing Pensacola and Escambia county cutbacks, in fire, police and schools. Increases in fees for basic services provided by local government. This is all happening at the worst time with falling property prices, slower sales on all fronts; cars, boats, furniture, real estate, vacations and all discretionary spending.

    I think government needs to tighten its belt like we are but the problem we all suffer in the process.

    Like they say “there is no free lunch”.

    http://www.gibbons-realty.com/

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