Posted on 02/20/2007 7:13:00 AM PST by doc30
TALLAHASSEE - House Republicans are developing a proposal to eliminate property taxes for all homesteads while increasing the sales tax by a few pennies to make up the difference.
The plan, which has quietly gained favor among House leaders in recent days but lacks detail and has yet to be announced, also calls for capping property taxes on businesses, second homes and other nonhomestead property.
The cap would likely be tied to population growth and inflation.
(Excerpt) Read more at sptimes.com ...
I think it's a great idea. Right now, people are forced to "rent" land from the government. If they don't pay their "rent", the property gets auctioned off. Even though home owners literally pay the mortgage on the property most of their lives, the government still lays claim to it. It isn't right.
If this passes, look for a renewed boom in the Pandhandle. No property tax, no state income tax, just a high sales tax that can be avoided by shopping across the border in GA or AL.
I like it, too, for the same reason you stated. I like the idea that I could eventually own my home free and clear and the government couldn't take it away.
I would gladly pay more in sales taxes to make up for it. I can somewhat control the amount of sales taxes I pay by my spending habits, but the government gets to dictate how much property tax I pay and I have no control over it.
Go for it, FL legislature.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
Probably more widespread than that. I, for one, pay a heck of a lot more in property tax on my home than I am likely to pay in increased sales taxes.
Get ready, though, for the self-appointed friends of the oppressed and downtrodden to scream that it is a tax increase on renters to fund a tax reduction for the well-off. That is not its purpose, of course, but in evening out the tax burden it could have that effect. To which my reaction is - tough noogies. There are a great deal of non-contributing people here consuming services, and it is about time that they pay something towards them.
The SPT is going to scream about this. They have been pushing for higher taxes anyway, actually headlining the paper about the need to get rid of "save our homes" (cap on property tax inc) because people aren't paying "their fair share".
This is all because of the horrid homeowner's insurance problem down here. Tiny homes in bad areas cost $3400 a year to insure, and we have whole blocks for sale. People are stopping moving here. The real estate market right here is terrible. They are all going to GA and such instead. They've got to do something about it, or FL will lose too much.
"Sounds good to me... "
Me, also. One detail is the "impact fee" charged on any new housing (condos, apartments, etc.). I think that would also be quietly raised ($2000 last I heard?).
Just finished my income tax using TurboTax and itemized. You can claim your sales tax in FL as well as your proerty taxes. It looks like a wash for me, but if I move into a bigger home, it will be a big savings. Plus, the Disney tourists will be contributing more so I'm not worried about norther FL residents crossing into GA to shop.
Renewed boom in the Pandhandle?.... I never noticed it stop!.........
Think long and hard about the laws of un-intended consequences.........
I don't think the state of Forida imposes impact fees. I believe they are imposed by county government and vary widely based on location, type of structure, etc. Your county gov't website should have details.
However, I do feel strongly that property taxes should not be based on the ever-flexible "assessed value" of the property. It should be based on a fixed measurement, such as the acreage or the square footage of buildings, or a combination of the two.
"imposed by county government"
Could be. Really high where my folks live (Ft. Myers area)
Great idea. FL has a lot of tourists who would now be paying taxes.
Great idea!
Git 'er done!
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