As the saying goes, if you are in the business of Real Estate, then you are in to Politics!
I traveled to Tallahassee for Great American Realtor Days, Feb 14-15. This blog updates some of the topics and photos from my trip. This now 8 year journey is never one for personal gain, but rather combining my voice with the issues that affect Realtors, property owners and ultimately our customers. There’s much work to be done, and much accomplished this week.
VOTE YES ON Amendment 4 0n the 2012 ballot which will bring much-needed property tax relief to non-homesteaded owners (commercial, vacation/second home and investors) and first time buyers. Voters will have the chance to lower property taxes again.
A Realtor-supported insurance bill that could make Florida more attractive to private insurance companies advanced in both House and Senate committees. SB 1346/HB 1127 would, among other things, remove the requirement that private insurers front millions of dollars to Citizens Property Insurance Corp. to cover losses after a catastrophic hurricane. According to the Office of Insurance Regulation, this is the No. 1 barrier to attracting new companies to the state.
Sen. Charlie Dean (R-Inverness) and Rep. Chris Dorworth (R-Heathrow) are sponsoring legislation to repeal the mandate that all septic tanks in Florida be inspected. SB 820 and HB 999 will make on-site wastewater system evaluations optional at the local level. Steps will be taken to preserve our most critical natural resources while protecting private property rights. Florida Realtors opposes time-of-sale inspection requirements and mandating that all systems be improved to meet current performance standards.
We asked our Legislators to avoid sweeping Sadowski Affordable Housing Trust Funds into general revenue. Every real estate transaction generates money for this fund via documentary stamp taxes. Allocate every penny collected for its intended purpose – housing – or eliminate the tax altogether.
We appreciate the difficult decisions facing legislators in this economic climate. However, funding these state and local housing programs is sound economic policy. Housing provides jobs for many industry sectors and is the foundation of a strong community.
Realtors across Florida connect communities to Tallahassee. We’ve traveled the roads, we know the neighborhoods and we know what matters to Floridians who call this wonderful place home!
We understand the challenges facing Florida’s families! We know there are solutions! We wantto make Florida attractive once again to businesses, retirees and young families – OUR FUTURE – who seek strong communities, a better quality of life and the American dream of homeownership.
Real Estate Blog 