THE ROAD TO PROPERTY TAX REFORM

Florida's property tax system is broken. We must have legislative change in order to correct this unfair and unaffordable problem. I and many others support new property tax reform legislation that is in dire need of implementation this year.

I submit to you a list of ideas I and many other Floridians support, most of which were presented to Governor Bush's Tax Reform Committee in Orlando.

1. Portability of homesteads

2. An additional 25,000 homestead exemption

3. Cap all properties similar to homesteaded properties

4. Use a 5 year moving average on non homesteaded properties

5. Limit the growth of the budgets of all taxing authorities by linking them to the CPI plus the percentage of population growth

6. Shorten the length of time a Community Redevelopment Agency may be in existence

7. Change the "highest and best use" to "value in use"

8. Reassess property only at time of sale

9. The average differential in those homes that have been homesteaded for years and those for a short time is approximately 40% statewide.

A. Assess all homesteaded properties at a 60% level

B. Those with levels below the 60% level will retain that level until sold

10. Establish a Marine Merchant Classification to protect concerns like marinas and boatyards from escalating property values brought about by development of condominiums and other waterfront communities.

Rick Barnett
Bay County Property Appraiser