Mike Hastings Blog

Governor Charlie Crist is proposing some changes that would impact current and future homeowners in Gainesville and Alachua County. Recent legislation introduced in the Florida House and Senate would give first time home owners exemptions on half of the assessed value on the first year of owning their new home up to $250,000 or a maximum of $5,000 in savings.

Also introduced was legislation to make it easier for homeowners to challenge property assessments by placing the burden of proof on the county's property appraiser.

Last, Gov. Crist is proposing a cap on second homes, investment property and rental housing tax assessments. Last year voter's approved a constitutional amendment that limited increases to 10%. This year there is a proposed limit of a 5%.

Here is a video of the Governor discussing his plans to help Florida homeowners and some of the proposed changes: http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=e7cnevu5oRU