Fix the PROPERTY taxes in Florida, NOW!

I've lived in Florida since 1985, and it was affordable UNTIL the recent property boon.  Property values shot up 20%, 30%, 40% and even as high as 200% in some cases in the last 5 years.  The taxes, and the municipal, county, and state income shot up commensurately.

Well, if you put a little thought to it, those taxing authorities were doing just fine without their recent increase in income. Not to say that they didn't need to keep pace with rising costs, but they definitely didn't do anything to deserve a 100% to 200% increase in income. 

This situation has put a terrible strain on the average homeowner in Florida.  Because, even though the value of a person's house went up, does NOT mean that that individual's income went up.  So take a scenario where a person's property value doubled, but their income only went up 10% in that same period.  The taxing authorities, accordingly want to collect double or more than double (because of the homestead exemption) the taxes per year from a person who is still paying the same mortgage payment, probably double the insurance, more for food, power, and other essentials on ONLY a 10% income increase.   NOT FAIR!  This is forcing people to have to sell their homes and move out of state to avoid the huge increases in their taxes.  I see this happen every day and it has contributed to one of the worst REAL ESTATE downturns in the history of Florida.

The Florida Legislature, and the Governor has tried, lamely, to propose some sort of relief.  To most of us it means a savings of between $200 and $500 per year, which, in many cases, represents only about one months taxes (an 8% savings).  That's just not going to do it.

HELP!  Recently a GRASSROOTS proposal has surfaced that seems much more reasonable as far as tax savings goes.  In order to get this proposal on the ballot we all must sign the petition to have it added.  Please click here, fill out the petition form and mail it to the address specified.  This website will also give you a good idea of what your REAL savings will be. 

Let's work together and get the politics OUT of our pocket!

Thanks,

Nicke Barefoot

The Barefoot Realtor

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