The Homestead is off the ballot!

[Sancho]

A judge just ruled the language is misleading...

I was sticking with SOH's anyway.

[Freddie Stubbs]

1. For now...

The legislature could appeal, or submit new language which may pass legal muster.

[kcass1954]

2. SOH is the only reason we can afford the taxes on our house.

We own other property, and we're getting killed on both of those. Apparently the property appraisers in Palm Beach and Marion counties haven't heard that property values are dropping. We've watched the taxes go up as values have risen, but we're not seeing it in reverse.

[Sancho]

3. And we have citizens on top of it.

What a mess that Jeb has created...the Bush family is completely crazy.

[Speciesamused]

4. You own two homes???

most Americans cannot afford one.
If you are wealthy you should pay.

[kcass1954]

5. Geez no - we are far from wealthy. We're very much middle-income.

We own the home we live in, and also own two lots with no structures on them. Both were bought as investments years ago when finances were better. The game plan was when we retire, we would sell the house we live in now and one of the lots, and then build a house on the other lot.

I am not grumbling about paying my fair share of taxes. The Palm Beach taxes will actually go down a very little bit this year. The millage rate is outrageously high, though. We'll never be able to afford to build there.

My real gripe is with Marion county. I own a small lot in a residential subdivision; it was purchased in part with wedding money 25 years ago, and I got it in the divorce settlement 15 years ago. The property is assessed at the very top end of what lots in that area were selling for about 8-10 months ago. The assessment nearly tripled from 2005 to 2006. But instead of assessing it truly reflect what's going on in the market, it increased by almost $8,000 this year. The millage rate is lower in Marion county. But in addition to seeing the taxes rise, we've been hit with two substantial assessments - one for roads, the other for fire protection - totaling over $2,000.

We're not convinced that we'll be able to hold onto both properties until we retire - in 7 years.

[Speciesamused]

6. We have no clear weather in site for this country...

as you see things are getting worse week by week.
I was just laid off from my job of 8 years. My husband
has a good job of 22 years, Electronics Foreman.
I have been looking for a new job. There are none
If you can you should try to sell one of those.
ASAP. I wish you the best. Taxes are stealing by the way.
There is no law. Peace and Prosperity.