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Jackie Colson-Miller

Jackie Colson-Miller
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'Property Taxes in Florida'

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Hillsborough County to Vote on County Mayor Proposal…Tampa Real Estate News and More!

Filed under: Property Taxes in Florida, Tampa

In November, along with electing a new President of the United States, Hillsborough County voters will decide on whether, or not, to create a County Mayor position. There has been much confusion about this position, so it is a good idea to get informed about the Facts vs. Myths on any subjectbefore heading to the ballot box.

The County Mayoral position would not be an additional expense to the taxpayers, but it would be a NON-PARTISAN, ELECTED official. It would replace the County Administrator position, which is not an elected position, but is rather, appointed by the County Commission. The County Mayor would run the county, but would be accountable to the voters, not to the Commission who appoints him/her. It would be a 4 year term with a two-term limit.

This is an opportunity for voters to decide to ELECT an official who must report spending habits to the VOTERS!

Hillsboroughcountyrevenues

Have a look at the County Tax Revenues in the chart above. You can see that the County overspent the rate of growth and inflation FIVE FOLD! An elected official would have had to answer to the voters. The County took advantage of the rise in property values, along with the rise in property taxes, during those years and now they are crying about cuts . Instead of maintaining a budget in line with population growth and inflation, the County administrator RAISED the county spending to take advantage of the windfall from property tax revenues. These are REAL numbers that the media does not discuss. The County Administrator needs to explain how those dollars were overspent vs. reducing property taxes to stay in line with the 16% inflation rate.

Take some time to review the County Mayor proposal on the County Mayor Website.

My opinion? I want every tax dollar expenditure to be accountable to the voters? Dont You?

Its time to ask the County, and the media, for the TRUTH. Vote for the County Mayor positionits a step in the right direction.

Chart Courtesy of www.CountyMayor.com

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   05.22.2008

What is a CDD and How Will it Affect my Tax Bill?…Tampa Real Estate Market News

Filed under: CDD in Tampa, Florida Real Estate, Places to Live, Property Taxes in Florida, Tampa MLS Listings, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market, Waterfront Homes in Tampa, Westchase

The latest news in the Tampa Real Estate Market and Real Estate Issues around the World

Buying a home in Tampa in a community with a CDD fee? Since that term is very unfamiliar to most buyers who are moving to Tampa from other cities, here is a brief explanation of CDD fees.

A CDD is short for Community Development District which finances and manages community developments. Tax-Free Bonds are issued to the developer to finance the cost of building the infrastructure of a development, including roads, utilities and many amenities including, pools, clubhouses,tennis courts, golf courses, etc. Homeowners in the development pay the costs of the CDD over the span of 15 to 30 years. There are a number of communities with CDD fees in Tampa, and throughout the State of Florida, so if you are looking for real estate in Tampa, or anywhere in Florida, you should know about these fees.

Can CDD fees go up? Yes. The CDD fees appear on the homeowners tax bill. Each Community has a CDD board, initially appointed by the developer, which decides whether to include additional assessments into the CDD fee. If a community decides to do additional Chev_1landscaping, revamp the golf course, add gates, or any other amenities, those costs may be added to the existing CDD fees. That would increase a total tax bill and increase the escrow required by your lender.

What can you do if you live in a community with a CDD fee? Stay informed. Know who the members of the CDD board are and attend any meetings regarding CDD fees.

You can find a list of all communities with CDD fees in Florida here.

For assistance in finding a house in Tampa, or any of the surrounding suburbs, or any questions about the Tampa Real Estate market, please contact me.

I can help with your move to any Tampa neighborhood, including: South Tampa, Davis Islands, Beach Park, Sunset Park, Hyde Park, Culbreath Isles, Palma Ceia, Westchase, Waterchase, Odessa, Cheval, Avila, Brandon, Riverview, FishHawk, New Tampa, Tampa Palms, Hunters Green, Arbor Greene, Apollo Beach, South Shore, MiraBay, Golf Communities, Clearwater Beach, Waterfront Homes, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Condos in Tampa and International Real Estatecontact me today!

 

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   04.14.2008

What Does The Latest Property Tax Reform in Florida Mean for YOU?…Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Property Taxes in Florida, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Market

Moving to Tampa involves an understanding of Floridas Property Tax laws. For months, I have been discussing the various proposals for property tax reform, and often spoke about the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission, which meets every 20 years and has the authority to make changes to Floridas tax laws.

Yesterday, the Commission placed a new measure for Tax Reform on the November 4th ballot, which will require a 60% approval of the voters.

In a nutshell, this is the proposal:

1. Beginning in 2011, property taxes for schools will be eliminated, thereby saving each property owner about $484.00 for each $100,000 of assessed value.

2. The state sales tax will increase from 6 percent to 7 percent, which will shift some of the tax burden to the tourism industry.

3. The legislature will be required to find other revenues to fund the schools.

4. The annual assessment cap for non-homesteaded properties will be 5 percent vs. the 10 percent which was approved in the recent January 29th referendum. This is very good news for investors who have seen escalating tax bills with the rise in property values of the past five years.

What do I think? They still need to tackle the disparity which results from the Save our Homes amendment, which causes new homebuyers to subsidize the tax bills of long-time homeowners, but it is a better plan than the one passed in January. I would prefer an 8 percent sales tax and a 50% reduction in the property taxes. More of a spreading the tax burden among everyone who spends money in Florida, not just the property owners. Lets see if Speaker of the House, Marco Rubio, can continue his quest for NO property taxes.

What do you think? Leave your comments below!

If you enjoy reading the Real Estate Sizzle, you can receive the latest articles via Email or RSS feed here.

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   03.18.2008

How Much Are Property Taxes in Tampa?…Buying a House in Tampa?…Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Property Taxes in Florida, Relocation, Tampa, Tampa Real Estate Market

If you are buying a home in Tampa, or just starting to look at the prices of Tampa Real Estate, a common question involves the cost of property taxes. Properties are reassessed when they are sold, so the existing tax bill on the property you might buy has NO relevance to the taxes you will pay in the future. The new tax bill will be based on the purchase price, not the existing tax bill.

Since Florida has no state income tax, property taxes tend to be higher than some areas in the U.S. , so when you think about your total tax bill, you need to consider the lack of State Income Taxes in Florida.

In Hillsborough County, in which Tampa is the largest city, there is an easy way to estimate your tax bill. The property appraisers office has an online tax estimator, which can help you understand the local property taxes.

If the community you are considering has a CDD fee, that will be an additional fee on your tax bill.

Today, January 29th, 2008, Floridians will vote on a referendum to make the assessed value of your home “portable”. I have written many articles on why this is a bad plan and creates further inequity among all property owners in the tax system. Here is a little-known fact: If the referendum does not pass with a 60% vote, the property tax issue will go to the Florida Tax and Budget Reform Commission for a BETTER plan and the legislature will take up the issue AGAIN. This is not publicized, but true. I will vote NO…you’ve heard all of that in my previous articles:

Vote No on Amendment 1

Another Plan for Tax Reform

For any questions about property taxes in Tampa, or help finding the perfect home in Tampa, please contact me!

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   01.28.2008

Vote “NO” on Amendment 1…It’s Not Good Enough!…Tampa Real Estate News!

Filed under: Property Taxes in Florida, Real Estate News, Tampa Real Estate

THE LATEST NEWS ON THE TAMPA REAL ESTATE MARKET, BUYING A HOME IN TAMPA, AND REAL ESTATE ISSUES AROUND THE WORLD, EVERY DAY, ON THE REAL ESTATE SIZZLE.

Voteno

Amendment 1 is increasingly losing the battle, as more Floridians understand that it DOES NOT fix the inequities in the Property Tax System in Floridait actually creates more inequityLets send a strong message to our legislators and vote NOsend them back to Tallahassee for a REAL solution to ensure a better tax plan in Florida. Give property owners a CURE for the tax inequity, dont offer up a dab of ointment and a band-aid, instead. Don’t believe what you hear, or read, from the media…MANY Real Estate agents are NOT voting for this plan. While it might prompt a few more people to sell their homes, it does not fix the tax inequities between long-time homeowners and new buyers, who pay vastly different tax bills for the same assessed value. It is discrimination. Imagine if race were involved. Whites paid less taxes than blacks. Or, if men paid higher taxes than women. How is that different from longtime homeowners paying less taxes than new homeowners AND allowing them to take their “tax break (portability)” to the NEXT house??? The picketers would be storming into Tallahassee!

The “Save Our Homes” amendment was intended to prevent older Floridians from being taxed out of their homes as values rose and they were on fixed incomes. When values rose at 5-7% per year, the 3% cap seemed reasonable. Annual increases of over 20% created such disparity between new and old homeowners, it resulted in the discriminatory tax system that exists today. The system is terribly broken, but this amendment is not the solution. Vote “NO”…and watch Florida Speaker of the House, Marco Rubio. He has remained steadfast in his attempts to get us on the right track and persevere for a better plan…for a better Florida.

Want to read more of my thoughts on Florida Property Tax Reform?

Why I am Voting No

More Opposition to the Property Tax Proposal

Another Push for More Tax Reform by Marco Rubio

Florida Property Tax issues on The Real Estate Sizzle get Statewide attention

Tuesday, January 29th is a BIG day for Florida. Make an informed decision when you cast your ballotfor Amendment 1 AND in the Presidential Primary.

I definitely have a strong opinion about the presidential candidates, but for today, lets concentrate on the Property Tax MESS and send our ELECTED officials back to work to cure the illness, not simply to treat the symptoms!

 

Here’s another plan in the making…You can sign the petition for a Fair Tax Plan at Fair Property Tax for All.

 

 

I can help with your move to any Tampa neighborhood, including: South Tampa, Davis Islands, Beach Park, Sunset Park, Hyde Park, Culbreath Isles, Palma Ceia, Westchase, Waterchase, Odessa, Cheval, Avila, Brandon, Riverview, FishHawk, New Tampa, Tampa Palms, Hunters Green, Arbor Greene, Apollo Beach, South Shore, MiraBay, Golf Communities, Waterfront Homes, Beach Condos, Sunset Beach, Penthouses, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Condos in Tampa and International Real Estatecontact me!

 

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   1 Comment »   |   01.23.2008

Florida Property Tax Reform…I am Voting “NO”…Must Read…How Will You Vote?…Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Property Taxes in Florida, Real Estate News, Tampa Real Estate

The Vote on The Florida Property Tax…Amendment 1…is just days away. The Governor, The Media, The Florida Association of Realtors and many other groups are trying to appease homeowners with a “band-aid” fix to the Florida Property Tax issue. Local Governments are using the “scare tactic” that we will lose our basic services. I am a longtime-homeowner and a Real Estate agent. I am TIRED of the media failing to give Floridians ALL of the facts, so I have spent many months researching this issue and explaining why I am opposed to it. I want REAL tax reform, not a band-aid that perpetuates the problem. This article is VERY long…please take the time to read it and VOTE at the end.

I will continue to bring you the latest information and, of course, my opinion on Tax Reform in Florida. Please take the time to VOTE at the bottom of my comments…I am committed to make a difference in this inequitable system.

For MONTHS, I have been discussing the ongoing saga of the Property Tax Reform Issue. In my opinion, the latest plan is the WORST yet.

Let’s start with the reason we are in this situation in the first place….The “Save Our Homes” amendment…what was intended to keep longtime Florida homeowners from being taxed out of their homes has become a nightmare. The annual 3% cap on assessed property values required by the amendment has kept many property owners “trapped” in their homes, because moving to a smaller home could still raise their tax bill. Neighboring homeowners pay drastically different property tax bills, based on the time they purchased. Recent homebuyers pay the lion’s share of the taxes in the state, because of the rise in market values over the past several years. Let’s use the correct term for this inequity…DISCRIMINATION. Long-time homeowners are treated differently, and taxed differently, than new homeowners. Let’s call it “age discrimination” of the worst kind. The bizarre twist in all of it, is that long-time homeowners really feel “entitled” to “steal” from the recent homebuyers.

If you bought a car in the year 2000, would you expect to still pay “year 2000″ prices for gas? Do you expect Verizon to charge you “year 2000″ prices for your phone service, while your new neighbor subsidizes your phone bill with “year 2008″ rates? It is absolutely ludicrous that this tax system was ever introduced, or allowed to continue.

I’m not sure how anyone could claim that properties with the same market value should not be assessed at the same rate, but therein lies the problem created by the “Save Our Homes” amendment. To further compound the problem, now the latest plan includes “portablility”…the ability to take your “Save Our Homes” capped assessment with you to the next house…That is a great way to perpetuate the problem…but it sounds great to the voters who don’t understand the long-term implications. The “old” homeowners get to take their savings with them to a new home and the “new” homeowners continue to subsidize them.

** Again…discrimination…long-time homeowners get all the tax breaks at the expense of new homeowners.** The solution: a much-lowered millage rate AND the elimination of the discriminatory practices in the tax system. Or, “consumption-based” taxes tied to a new sales tax. Low-income residents, young, or old, would benefit. Taxes would be fair and equitable.

The average homeowner will get a $240 tax break with this plan. What they will also get, is the END to any further property tax reform. If this amendment is passed, the deal will be done and the discrimination will continue.


I have said this many times…IF WE VOTE NO, THE PLAN GOES TO THE FLORIDA BUDGET AND TAXATION COMMISSION FOR A NEW PLAN…THEY ARE ALREADY WORKING ON IT…

I would like each of you to think about what happened to the “windfall” of taxes created by the increased property taxes of the past few years. Think about why the local governments are vehemently opposed to cutting property taxes. Think about whether we have had an increase in services, better roads, etc. The answer is NO. From 2001 to the present, our population grew less than 15%, while our tax revenues grew by over 60%, some reports put that number at over 90%. Where did all that revenue go? Answer: Into the benefits packages and increased wages of government workers…well beyond the annual cost of living increase. The local governments took the windfall and SPENT, and SPENT AND SPENT! Now, they are whining about Budget cuts and claiming your services will be cut. They aren’t offering to take their benefits packages back to the pre-windfall levels, though. They are just whining. And the media isn’t telling the real story about where our tax dollars were spent. Why? The lobbyists…they lobby for the cigarette industry, for the tourism industry, for the counties, for the alcohol industry…Who lobbies for the Property Owners? NO ONE. We have to lobby for ourselves.

We should expect our government officials to exercise fiscal responsibility. They need to follow the example of what a CEO in a private company would do: CUT BACK…eliminate benefits, freeze wages, get government workers to understand they are not “entitled” to anything that the tax revenues cannot provide. How many employees would choose to leave for a career in private industry where they would be subject to the “real world” of budgets. Not many. Services would not be cut, but the government would learn to operate more efficiently. We need to review our leaders fiscal responsibility before every election!

I AM in favor of meaningful Property Tax Reform…one that benefits all property owners. I AM in favor of spreading the tax burden across all Floridians, and all of those who visit this State and enjoy it’s benefits without sharing in it’s burden. I just returned from a week in Las Vegas, where I attended two Real Estate conferences. I was “floored” by the high taxes on everything related to the hotel and restaurant industries. Florida, and the lure of Disney and the beaches, is not dissimilar, but our taxes related to tourism are far less. I AM in favor of more consumption taxes: hotels, alcohol, cigarettes, sales taxes. I AM in favor of little or No Property Tax, with an increase in consumption taxes. Non-homestead property owners should pay property taxes, but at significantly lowered rates. With an increase in sales taxes (which are tax deductible on your Federal Tax return) those who buy more services and goods, would pay more in taxes. More disposable income would create more spending and more tax revenue. Home ownership would be affordable, not a financial burden. The elderly would not be taxed out of their homes.

That, in a nutshell…is my solution. I am Voting “NO” on January 29th, because this plan is not the long-term solution for a better Florida. What do you think? Leave me a comment and vote in the poll below!

Here is the latest proposal from Florida Speaker of the House, Marco Rubio…what do you think? It’s MUCH better than the plan that is up for a vote…

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   22 Comments »   |   01.17.2008

The “Best” News in Tampa Real Estate in 2007!…Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Home in Tampa

Filed under: Florida Real Estate, International Real Estate, Property Taxes in Florida, Real Estate News, Relocation, Restaurants in Tampa, Tampa

The Real Estate Sizzle came to life in 2007 and quickly became one of the top-rated real estate blogs in the country…and at the top of the Tampa Real Estate sites.   Have a look at the “Best of The Real Estate Sizzle in 2007”…the “most-read” articles this year.

Florida Property Tax Reform is THE hot topic of the year! Several articles were in my “Top 10” list:

Florida Property Tax Issues on The Real Estate Sizzle Get Statewide Attention …one of my highest “daily” readerships…everyone loves a little controversy!

The Latest News on Property Tax Reform in Florida

Readers are searching for plenty of information regarding legal issues Tamparealestate2008related to Tampa Real Estate:

Ten Changes to The Florida Real Estate Contract

Haunted Houses…What Should An Agent Disclose in
Tampa Real Estate.

Readers are also looking for the best neighborhoods in Tampa and…great places to eat in Tampa!

Plenty of readers are looking for some International Real Estate…Vienna, Austria and some of the the Best Places to Live Around the World!

Many thanks to my readers, and clients, for a VERY busy 2007.  Let me know what you would like to read  about Tampa Real Estate, International Real Estate, or Great Places to visit in Tampa…and around the World.   I am working on some great articles, and some new polls,  for the New Year, on the Real Estate Sizzle! 

Best Wishes for a Healthy, Happy and Prosperous 2008!

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   4 Comments »   |   12.28.2007

More Opposition to the Florida Property Tax Proposal…Tampa Real Estate News…

Filed under: Property Taxes in Florida, Real Estate News

The latest news on all issues affecting the Tampa Real Estate Market…

The League of Women Voters has publicly announced its opposition to the Proposed Change in the Florida Property Tax System. You can read the press release and form your own opinion.

I have written many articles about my opposition to the proposed amendment, which goes to the Florida voters on January 29. You can read more of my thoughts on the issue in my previous post and, dont forget to vote in my straw poll.

Interesting that the women are speaking out