| Thursday, September 9, 2010 | 
Today: Partly cloudy with a high of 90
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Taxes
| Vickie Potts, Tax Collector Frank Desquin, Property Appraiser Charlotte County Annex 6868 San Casa Drive Englewood, FL 34223 (941) 474-7775 www.charlottecountyfl.com |
Barbara Ford-Coates, Tax Collector Jim Todora, Property Appraiser Sarasota County Government PO Box 1358 Sarasota, FL 34230-1358 (941) 497-7394 www.co.sarasota.fl.us |
Homesteading:
Up until recently, as a resident of Florida, you may declare the first $25,000 of your new home exempt for tax purposes and reduce the cost of your ad valorem tax bill. To file for an exemption you must establish residency by December 31st. Applicants must provide a voter's registration card, valid Florida driver's license and registration certificates, titles for any motor vehicles owned and a recorded deed for the home, or a vehicle registration/title for a mobile home. In January 2007 voters approved tax reform which double the exemption to $50,000 and gave it mobility. For more information contact the County Property Appraiser's office in your county of occupancy listed above.
Tourist Tax:
Tourist tax is a 5% tax on the total rental amount collected from any person or other party who rents, lease, or lets for consideration living quarters or accommodations in hotels, motels, apartment motels, rooming houses, tourist trailers, camps, mobile homes, or condominiums for a period of 6 months or less.
Elected officials at the local and state level are in a position to pass laws that affect the quality of life of all citizens in the community and the state. When you use your voice, your vote, to select a representative to speak on your behalf, it gives them the right to adopt laws that change your life. You expect them to responsibly, thoroughly and deliberately review the facts before passing these laws. You expect them to provide you with a clear and accurate explanation of their votes so you can decide whether they represent your best interest.Â
The legislative leadership in the Florida House of Representatives has released a property tax reform proposal. The proposal suggests eliminating property tax on homesteaded property and replacing the reduction in revenue with a 2.5% increase in sales tax. This increase would create a 9.5% tax on sales in Sarasota County.
Click here to find out why your Sarasota County Commissioners think sales tax increases aren't the answer to property tax reform. We also encourage you to use "Your Voice" to contribute to the decisions that affect our community.
