Super homestead exemption going to voters

A short time ago the Senate voted along party lines to give voters the opportunity to decide whether to substantially expand the homestead exemption and provide significant portability when people move to other homes.

Republicans solidly supported creating a "super homestead exemption" of $150,000 on the first $200,000 of a home's value and an additional 15 percent or $45,000 of the next $300,000 of value.

Democrats unanimously opposed the provision.

During consideration of the constitutional language, the Senate also ensured that property owners could voluntarily opt into the super homestead exemption or keep their "Save Our Homes" benefits, whichever they found most favorable to their own interests.

Again, Democrats opposed the option for taxpayers and Republicans voted yes.

Depending on the timing of the constitutional amendment vote (either January, 2008 or November, 2008), voters will have substantial opportunity to study the proposal, ask questions, and form their own conclusions.

The Senate is currently debating the statutory proposals to roll back property taxes, cut taxes based on the past taxing behavior of local governments, and then cap further tax increases to no more than the increase in average per capita income (about 4% per year during recent years).

These statutory cuts and caps will benefit every Florida taxpayer - homeowners, businesses, investors, second home owners, and renters who pay property taxes indirectly when rents are raised.

Thank you for the many calls, emails, comments, criticisms, and suggestions I've received in the last few days. Clearly, property tax relief and reform is a crucial issue for Northwest Floridians. I hope to be able to report to you later today that the statutory language was adopted, as well.