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Tax refund checks a balm for those routed by storm

By JEFF HARRINGTON
Published May 18, 2005

Floridians forced out of their homes at least two months because of last year's hurricanes soon will be getting a check in the mail. Just in time for the next hurricane season.

The state this week began sending out the first of more than 19,000 property tax refunds to those whose homes were rendered uninhabitable for at least 60 days as a result of a named tropical storm in 2004.

The total payout: $9.5-million. The average refund: about $500.

Gov. Jeb Bush cited the payments as an example of how the four-hurricane season united the state. "Those whose homes were uninhabitable because of the storms should not be expected to pay a tax on property they can't use," he said.

The Legislature approved the hurricane relief program during a special session last December, setting aside up to $20-million to fund the program.

To be eligible, a property owner must have had a homestead exemption in effect in 2004. Applications were due by March 1.

Department of Revenue director Jim Zingale gave Bush and the Cabinet an update on the process Tuesday, saying payments are running three weeks ahead of schedule.

Relief checks are being mailed in batches of 3,000 to 4,000 a day, and all should be in the mail by Friday. Homeowners who want to check the status of a refund can do so through the department's Web site (www.myflorida.com/dor)

Later this summer, the state will ship another set of relief payments, reimbursing the sales tax paid by mobile home owners to buy replacement units if their home was damaged or destroyed by one of the storms. Applications for the mobile home program were due May 1.

[Last modified May 18, 2005, 00:49:11]