'Super exemption' mulled for all homes

Associated Press
Published March 7, 2008

---

TALLAHASSEE

A second major property tax-cutting proposal advanced Thursday in a commission that proposes state constitutional amendments, but only one is likely to go on the November ballot. The new plan being considered by the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission would cut taxes about 12 percent when fully implemented. It would provide a 25 percent "super exemption" for all residential properties, including second homes and rentals. They'd get only half - 12.5 percent - in the first year. For the first three years, the amendment would impose a 0.5 percentage point increase in sales tax to temporarily replace some of the money school districts and local governments would lose.

Appeal over hospital records rejected

Patients have a right to check records on past mistakes made by their doctors and hospitals no matter how old those files are, a sharply divided Florida Supreme Court ruled Thursday, in a 4-3 opinion.