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Florida Republicans seek cap on property taxes
By
Alex Leary, Times staff writer
In print: Wednesday, April 23, 2008
TALLAHASSEE — Republicans in the Florida House are trying to cut taxes further, even if their plan is doomed for now. Unsatisfied with recent efforts to cut property taxes, the House today is poised to pass several proposals, including one that would cap property taxes at 1.35 percent of taxable value. But with an unwilling partner in the Senate, the plan stands virtually no shot at becoming more than a campaign slogan in November elections. "You have a fatal attraction for sound bites," said the House Democratic leader, Rep. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach. Republicans said the 1.35 percent plan is headed for the November 2010 ballot as a citizen initiative, so why not give voters a chance to weigh in early? "Whether or not we do this today, it's going to happen," predicted Rep. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, R-Miami, the bill's sponsor. Supporters say they have gathered 150,000 signed petitions; they need more than 600,000. The House plan would limit property taxes on any type of property to 1.35 percent of taxable value, effectively lowering millage rates statewide. Advocates say it would save $5.9-billion next year. Democrats wondered when the tax-cutting frenzy would end, since the Legislature has forced a rollback of property taxes and approved the Amendment 1 proposal voters enacted in January. Not wanting to revisit the explosive setting that hatched those plans, Senate President Ken Pruitt, R-Port St. Lucie, said this year that he does not want to pursue more tax legislation. Pruitt's posture has drawn a sharp response of a St. Petersburg citizen group, Cut Property Taxes Now. The organization has been running radio ads in Pruitt's district urging him to take up the 1.35 percent plan.
[Last modified: Apr 24, 2008 06:16 PM]
Comments on this article
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by Mr. Smithers
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Apr 24, 2008 6:16 PM
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EXCELLENT! A society thats works together for their benefit reduces the number diamond encrusted sitting chairs in my entryway. Keep up the good work.
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by Kim
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Apr 24, 2008 12:09 PM
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The "Tax-Cutting Frenzy" will end when property taxes on non-homesteaded properties are actually lower after the cut. We one several low income rentals (400-500/mo) and our taxes are higher every year dispite the cu
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by Jesse
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Apr 24, 2008 11:48 AM
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How could anyone not want their taxes cut?? Typical of the liberal left; "Democrats wondered when the tax-cutting frenzy would end"
Their true colors show through no matter what!! Yahoo, keep voting for the wolf in sheeps clothin
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by JS
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Apr 23, 2008 3:41 PM
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Tammy, I'm 27 and I'll also be voting NO. Your argument fails. Nice try though.
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by Tammy
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Apr 23, 2008 3:35 PM
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Old geezer on a fixed income. It's old people like you who screw things up for the rest of us - People like you do not UNDERSTAND what these proposals mean - you just vote AGAINST them...What is says, old geezer, is that no property ca
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by Tammy
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Apr 23, 2008 3:35 PM
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What is says, old geezer, is that no property can be taxed MORE than 1.35% of the value of their property....Your $120 per year property tax will not be affected. People would pay THE LESSER of what their current is or the 1.35% ...Now te
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by Tammy
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Apr 23, 2008 3:35 PM
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Now, old geezer, you can tell all the other ladies at bingo and shuffle board - that they are safe from their property taxes increasing...They can vote YES ... I would encourage them to vote YES....
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by Barbara
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Apr 23, 2008 3:25 PM
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We must cut spending & cut real estate taxes & not increase our sales tax. I'm a Realtor with 2,600 people in my database. I see so many people leaving FL because they can't afford the taxes and insurance on their homes. CUT SPENDIN
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by Pam
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Apr 23, 2008 10:50 AM
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Geezer-I'm a single mom who is paying 3 x's as much as u & will pay more taxes in 4 yrs as u have in 12. How is that fair? Pay your fair share!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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by Alex
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Apr 23, 2008 10:43 AM
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Florida Hometown Democracy is headed for the 2010 ballot, so why aren't our politicians willing to give it an early vote?
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by geezer
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Apr 23, 2008 10:42 AM
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I'm a senior with a modest home I've owned for 12 years. This proposal would more than double my taxes and I'm sure there are many others like me. Why would I vote for this?
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by Fred
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Apr 23, 2008 10:39 AM
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Once again you clowns cannot tell the difference between a report and an editorial. We all know you incompetents at the times want higher taxes and more spending. You jost prove your are thieves again.
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by DM
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Apr 23, 2008 9:31 AM
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What about the plan to increase sales tax and eliminate property tax. I will vote for that but this 1.35% CAP is a smoke screen. I don't want to be fighting with the county appraiser every time a few politicians want to funnel some money
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by James
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Apr 23, 2008 9:31 AM
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"When will the tax-cutting frenzy end"? I'll be smiling all day thinking about that line. Thanks!
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