Politics

Reform panel puts 2 items on ballot

Homeowners would get breaks for hurricane, energy measures.

By Times Wires
Published January 19, 2008

TALLAHASSEE - Florida's tax reform panel made its first formal decision Friday, agreeing to ask voters to provide small property tax breaks for homeowners who invest in certain hurricane protection measures and energy efficient improvements.

The proposal would exempt storm shutters and hurricane resistant shingles, doors and windows from property tax assessments. It would save an estimated $15.26 for each of the 225,000 estimated homeowners who would qualify. Average savings for energy-saving improvements were not available.

The measure would have to be approved by at least 60 percent of the state's voters in November.

"It's a plus-plus," said Sen. Gwen Margolis, D-Miami Beach, the sponsor.

The measure passed 17-0, which is two-thirds of the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission's 25 members - the bare minimum required for a tax proposal to reach the ballot. Eight other commissioners were absent Friday.

The commission, which last met in the early 1990s, will decide later whether to let the measure stand alone or incorporate it with other ballot issues. The commission has until May 4 to get proposals on the ballot.

The commission, however, rejected another ballot proposal that would have moved the start of the Legislature's 60-day annual session from March to February. Sponsored by former Sen. Les Miller of Tampa, it fell one vote short of the 17 votes needed, but it will be reconsidered on Jan. 30.

Miller, husband of Tampa City Council member Gwen Miller, said the earlier start date would give cities, counties and school boards more time to prepare their budgets after the state completes its spending plan.

The commission is created every 20 years to undertake a thorough review of the state's tax and budget systems. The panel's web site is www.floridatbrc.org.

[Last modified January 18, 2008, 23:14:53]