Assess Property Based on Current Use, not Imaginary Use, says Sen. Haridopolos

In response to Floridians' continued demands for property tax relief, the Florida Legislature began debating various proposals during the first week of Florida's 2007 legislative session. The first such proposal to come before the Senate would dramatically alter the way in which property is appraised: it would require property appraisers to assess property according to its current, existing use, not according to a hypothetical "highest and best use." It is expected to lower taxes on homestead and non-homestead property alike, benefiting homeowners, renters, and business owners.

Under the current system, the property appraiser may consider eight factors in assessing property. One is the "highest and best" use to which the property could potentially be converted. This allows the property appraiser to assess an apartment complex as though it were a timeshare condominium, on the theory that the property could readily be converted to the more valuable -- but imaginary -- use. The Senate proposal would require the property appraiser to base assessments on reality, not hypothesis.

"We've got to move away from taxing potential," Senator Mike Haridopolos said. "That's like you are going to put a higher income tax on a guy who's at Harvard Law School. That's not fair. He hasn't graduated."

Exact details of the proposed legislation will be released this week.

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Property Tax Meetings Continue - Orlando and Ft. Pierce Next

Tonight Orlando will be the center of the property tax debate. From 6-9 PM tonight, February 22, Mike will hold a town hall meeting at Valencia Community College's West Campus in Room 105 of the HSB Building. If you are unable to make it tonight, there will be another meeting tomorrow, February 23, at Indian River Community College's Knight Center, which is located at the Main Campus in Ft. Pierce. This will also be from 6-9 PM.

The House recently unveiled its plan to provide relief for Florida's property owners. Read more about their plan here

As always, feel free to add your comments on this subject.

Hillsborough Town Hall Meeting a Success

Last week Mike held six town hall meetings throughout the state to discuss property taxes. An overwhelming number of homeowners attended to express their concerns with the current property tax structure. Read more about the Hillsborough event here

Property Tax Town Hall Meeting in Jacksonville

On Thursday Jacksonville will host the second in a series of nine town-hall style meetings to discuss the issue of property taxes. People are not always able to visit Tallahassee to let their opinions be known, so Senator Haridopolos is bringing the Legislature to the people. If you are unable to attend one of the meetings feel free to use this space to submit your comments. You can also visit The Senate Website to submit your comments.

Senator Mike to be on CBS' Flash Point

Look for Senator Mike on CBS' Flash Point. It will air this Sunday at 11 AM on CBS stations throughout Central Florida. Mike will discuss property taxes and the possible actions the legislature will take to solve one of the biggest issues facing Florida's property owners. As always, we invite you to add your comments to the discussion.

Governor Crist Unveils Property Tax Relief Proposal

Governor Crist announced his plans to provide tax relief to Florida's property owners. Read the plan below and submit your comments!


http://www.flgov.com/release/8567

First Property Tax Town Hall Meeting a Success

Last night was the first of eight town-hall style meetings across the state to address the issue of property taxes. The Panama City event saw a croud of almost 500 citizens who wanted to let their opinions be known and to share their thoughts on how to reduce property taxes.

Read the story here:

http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/012607/met_7581851.shtml