Broward Activists for Tax Equity

Recent Updates

 

November 23, 2009

 

The Florida legislature has proposed an amendment to the Florida State Constitution to limit the taxable assessment of nonhomestead properties to 5% and to provide an additional exemption for homestead buyers.  The 5% ; limitation does not apply to the portion of the property tax from the school levy, however. It appears as though there will be two assessments for non-homesteaded properties: a 5-percent-limited assessment increase used for non-school-related tax purposes, and a just-value assessment used for school tax levies. Furthermore, the assessment can, if the legislature so chooses, jump to just value if certain improvements are made to the property or if ownership changes.

The amendment would also give additional exemptions to new homesteaders, phased out over five years. These exemptions would be helpful if you want to sell your home to a prospective homesteader, but not if you are not homesteaded and plan to remain in your home.

 

The class-action lawsuits to overturn the Save Our Homes Amendment continue to work their way through the legal process.

The Lanning case was denied by the appeals court, and the FL Supreme court has been petitioned for a review. If review is denied, the case will proceed directly to the U.S. Supreme Court.  The Bruner and Delusio cases were heard jointly by the Appeals Court. The lawyers are waiting for a ruling and will be looking for amicus curiae briefs if any case proceeds to the U.S. Supreme Court

 

 

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Updates prior to November 23, 2008

 

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