Our Blog
The Hanky drops…
At just before 3pm the House and Senate adjourned “sine die.” The 2009 Legislative Session ended with a vote on the $66.5 billion budget. Florida Realtors have... Continue ...
Budget Discussions Continue…
Tonight, Senate and House Budget Chairmen, Legislators, and staff met to continue Budget negoitations. At this point, specific focus is on conforming and proviso language... Continue ...
SJR 532 and HB 521 Pass the Senate – Await House Action
FAR priorities, SJR 532 by Sen. Lynn and HB 521 by Rep. Lopez-Cantera, just passed the Senate and need to be taken up and passed by the House of Representatives. SJR 532... Continue ...
Crash Tax Prohibition Passes Both Chambers – On the Way to the Governor
SB 2282/1043 by Senator Bennett and Rep N. Thompson, the “crash tax” just passed the House and is ready for the Governors signature. This legislation would prohibit local governments from... Continue ...
Reports
Governor says ‘yes’ likely on growth bill
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist said Wednesday he’s leaning toward signing a growth management bill that removes some of the constraints on development in the state’s most urban areas. Despite discussions earlier in the week with Tom Pelham, secretary of the Department of Community Affairs, who is critical of the deal, Crist said late changes made to SB 360 may help streamline the permitting process at a time Florida’s housing economy is in the... Continue ...
2009 Legislature adjourns!
Having approved a $66.5 billion state budget, the 2009 Florida Legislature adjourned minutes ago. For the Florida real estate industry, the budget includes several gems. Perhaps the shiniest: $30.1 million for down payment assistance programs. Beginning July 1, those who qualify for the federal first-time homebuyers tax credit will be able to apply for downpayment assistance in advance of closing and then repay the amount borrowed when they get their... Continue ...
Bill Watcher
CITIZENS RATES CAPPED. The insurance bill supported by Florida Realtors, HB 1495 by Rep. Bryan Nelson, passed the Senate late this afternoon on a 32-6 vote and heads to the...
LOWER TAXES ON NON-HOMESTEAD PROPERTIES. The Senate just approved SB 532 by Sen. Evelyn Lynn on a 26-11 vote and sent the bill to the House for final approval. This is a big...
PROPERTY TAX BREAK FOR MILITARY. Moments ago, the Senate passed HB 833/SJR 1302, a constitutional amendment that, if approved by voters, will provide an additional tax break...
PROPERTY TAXES: WORKING WATERFRONT. SB 1468 by Sen. Charlie Dean took on two amendments – one technical, the other giving property owners a choice in the way they are assessed...
PROPERTY INSURANCE. FAR’s primary property insurance bill, SB 1950, passed out of the Senate today on a 34-2 vote. Its provisions for Citizens rate increases differs...
PROPERTY INSURANCE. One of several bills supported by FAR this year, HB 1495 by Rep. Bryan Nelson (R-Apopka), passed its final House committee and will now be considered...
