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Amendment 1 passes with 64 percent voting for the constitutional amendment.
Name Votes Vote %
Yes 2,635,790 64%
No 1,477,823 36%
Landslide Victory: Amendment 1 Easily Passes
“The citizens of Florida have spoken and today received the tax cut they deserved. Amendment 1 gives the people of Florida a tax cut- guaranteed by law, and will help reignite Florida’s economy. I have traveled the state listening to Floridians like the Markowitz’s from Orlando who dreamt of building their own home and the Bonilla’s from Hollywood who wanted to move to a smaller home but felt trapped.
“With the passage of Amendment 1, families just like them will now see an immediate decrease and even greater savings when they move. Amendment 1 keeps the American Dream of homeownership alive for millions of other Floridians as well as brings relief for businesses and non-homesteaders.” --Gov. Charlie Crist
 TALLAHASSEE -- A ballot proposal cutting property taxes an average of $240 a year for primary homeowners passed Tuesday, easily getting the 60 percent vote it needed after Gov. Charlie Crist stumped the state telling Floridians they needed a break.
"The citizens of Florida have spoken today and received the tax cut they deserved," Crist said. "Amendment 1 keeps the American Dream of home ownership alive."
With 96 percent of the expected vote counted, the proposed state constitutional amendment had 2,609,049 yes votes, or 64 percent, and 1,460,509 no votes, or 36 percent.
Amendment 1 is unlikely to be the last word on property tax relief in Florida, however, with supporters and opponents alike saying more needs to be done.
The Republican governor, who made property tax relief a key plank in his 2006 election platform, said it's just one step in a process he compared to a football game.
"This is the second play," said Crist, a former high school quarterback. "We've got to keep driving down the field to get into the end zone for our people. This is just the start."
The first play was a tax rollback, which did not require voter approval, that the Legislature passed last year. It's estimated to save taxpayers up to $15 billion over five years, including $174 for the average homeowner in the first year.
Tampa Tribune/AP
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Gov. Charlie Crist: Vote 'Yes' On 1
Amendment 1 means "real tax cuts."
 TAMPA — Gov. Charlie Crist visited St. Petersburg, Miami, Boca Raton, and Orlando on Monday and was greeted enthusiastically by Yes on 1 supporters who waved signs showing their support for the tax cutting amendment.
“Amendment 1 means real tax cuts for real people,” said Crist. “The plan preserves the Save our Homes tax benefit and essentially doubles the Homestead Exemption. If you want a tax cut, the time is now.”
The average homeowner in Florida will be able to save about $1,500 each year on property taxes by taking approximately $83,000 in Save our Homes tax benefit with them when they move.
"I vow to continue working hard for future cuts—but there is no guarantee that we will have as good of an opportunity to cut taxes as we will tomorrow (Tuesday)," the governor said.
Amendment 1 would slash property taxes in a historic way by providing Floridians’ a tax-cut guaranteed by law. Amendment 1 would also essentially double a resident’s Homestead Exemption and allow their Save Our Homes tax benefits to be transferred to a new home.
In addition, businesses would receive a $25,000 exemption for tangible personal property and residents with a second home will never see their property taxes increase by more than ten percent.
--FrontPageFlorida.com report
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Governor Starts Statewide Tour To Explain Tax-Saving Amendment 1
 TALLAHASSEE -- Join Gov. Charlie Crist and supporters as the Yes on 1 campaign travels the state to educate voters about the tax-saving amendment. Homeowners, businesses, and associations from the Florida Association of Realtors to the Florida Chamber to the Federation of Manufactured Home Owners have come out in support of Amendment 1, because they understand the substantial and positive impact it will have on communities across the state.
The Yes on 1 campaign will be making stops at the following locations:
January 16, 2008
Volusia County
9 a.m. Residence in Volusia County
215 Two Oaks Drive
Edgewater, Florida
Orange County
11:00 a.m.
Early Voting Site
65 East Central Boulevard
Orlando FL 32801
Hillsborough County
1:15 p.m.
Residence in Hillsborough County
3611 South Church Avenue
Tampa, Florida 33629
Miami-Dade County
4 p.m.
Residence in Miami-Dade County
8880 SW 34 Street
Miami, FL 33165
- FrontPageFlorida.com report
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Business Group Backs Yes On 1
TAMPA - Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) is "strongly urging" its member companies and associations to vote ‘yes’ on Amendment 1. AIF is mailing thousands of informational postcards to its members explaining why they should vote for the property tax-cut amendment.
“While Amendment 1 is not the perfect answer, it presents opportunities to help jumpstart our state’s economic engines - the construction and housing markets,” said Barney Bishop, president and CEO of AIF, one of the state's largest business organizations. “It will provide a tax-cut guaranteed by law and has the potential to save tax-payers $9.3 billion over the next five years," Bishop said.
The amendment would help homeowners and businesses by doubling the homestead exemption without impacting schools; providides homeowners portability for their Save Our Homes tax saving cap; provides a new $25,000 exemption for tangible personal property and caps annual growth of taxable value for business and commercial property to 10 percent a year.
“Our overall economy is at stake,” added Bishop. “This country and our state could easily slip into recession and it is in our best collective interest to do anything we can to stimulate the economy, this Amendment will accomplish that.”
--FrontPageFlorida.com report
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Amendment Would Cut Property Taxes
"In the past three years property taxes have increased 42 percent and they continue to grow at a rate three times as fast as our population and inflation."
By Charlie Crist
 TALLAHASSEE - In less than a month, you will have the opportunity to lower your property taxes by voting Yes on 1. With the passage of Amendment 1, you will gain the freedom to purchase a new home without huge tax penalties, and rental home owners, second home owners and businesses will benefit by limited future tax increases.
Recently, I visited Elizabeth and Keith Markowitz from Orlando and listened to their personal story as they explained the benefits they would receive from the Amendment 1 tax cuts. Like many Americans, the Markowitzs had dreamed of building their own home, but could not afford the higher property taxes they would face.
Many families like the Markowitzs are being taxed out of their home or are being held captive by rising property taxes. Amendment 1 would benefit seniors seeking to downsize, as well as those who want to move into a new or different home. I believe this is an opportunity that Florida's homeowners cannot afford to oppose.
The time has come to lower your property taxes. Property taxes in Florida have more than doubled in the past six years and local government budgets are growing faster than our residents ability to pay for them. In the past three years property taxes have increased 42% and they continue to grow at a rate three times as fast as our population and inflation.
I believe Floridians know how to spend their money better than government does, and they deserve to keep more of their hard earned money. If you are overwhelmed by high property taxes and want a tax cut, then you should vote Yes on 1. The doubling of your homestead exemption will bring you immediate relief and when you chose to move, the portability of the Save our Homes tax benefit could save you thousands of dollars.
This tax cut is fair, simple and guaranteed by law. The time to re-ignite Florida's economy is now and I urge all Floridians to vote Yes on 1 on January 29th.
Whether you post a sign in your yard or window, write a letter to your local newspaper, forward emails about Yes on 1 to a friend, or just talk to a family member about this important tax cut, you should get involved today.
Charlie Crist is governor of Florida.
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Gov. Crist Kicks Off 'Yes On 1' To Cut Property Taxes;
Homeowners And Businesses In Florida Would Benefit
ORLANDO -- Gov. Charlie Crist was joined by a bi-partisan group of Floridians Friday to kick off "Yes on 1 Save our Homes NOW" to advocate for Amendment 1 which will provide property tax cuts for every homeowner.
Crist was joined by a coalition of homeowners and representatives from the business community and local governments.
 "I believe Floridians know how to spend their money better than government does and they deserve to keep more of their hard earned money," said Governor Crist. "This tax cut is fair, simple and guaranteed by law. The time to re-ignite Florida's economy is now and I urge Floridians to vote Yes on 1 on January 29th."
Lieutenant Gov. Jeff Kottkamp, Steve Moreira, president of the Orlando Regional Realtor Association, Mark Wilson, executive vice president of the Florida Chamber and Barney Bishop, President and CEO of The Associated Industries of Florida joined the governor at a press conference in front of the home of Elizabeth and Keith Markowitz, Orlando residents who will benefit from the Amendment 1 tax cuts. State Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, is the chair of the group. The group was also joined by a coalition of homeowners as well as Orange County property appraiser John Donegan and Broward County property appraiser Lori Parrish.
"My wife and I have always wanted to build our own home but cannot afford the property taxes, said Keith Markowitz an Orlando homeowner. These property tax cuts will help us make our dream come true and make it attainable.
With a just value of approximately $235,000, the Markowitz family has owned a home in Orlando since 2001. With the passage of Amendment 1, they could transfer more than $93,000 from their Save our Homes portability benefit if they purchased a new home valued at $400,000. They would save nearly $2,000 on their annual tax bill.
Amendment 1 will return money to homeowners right away and put billions back into Floridas economy, Fasano said in a statement. This tax cut is in addition to the $15 billion property-tax cut created during a June special legislative session that rolled back property taxes to 2006 levels.
At the press conference Crist discussed how Amendment 1 would benefit Floridians who want to move into a different or new home, seniors seeking to downsize, and business owners facing rising property values.
In addition to support from citizens across the state, businesses are also supporting the plan to cut taxes. "Property owners in Florida are overwhelmed by the current tax crisis," said Florida Association of Realtors President Nancy Riley. "Many families are being taxed out of their home or are being held captive in their home by the rising property taxes. Amendment 1 would benefit seniors seeking to downsize as well as those who want to move into a new or different home."
Property taxes in Florida have more than doubled in the past six years and local government budgets are growing faster than our residents ability to pay for them. In the past three years property taxes have increased 42% and they continue to grow at a rate three times as fast as our population and inflation.
Crist understands Florida's current property tax system is unfair and unsustainable, said Mark Wilson, executive vice president of the Florida Chamber. Amendment 1 is an essential step in fixing Florida s broken property tax system. With the states most effective grassroots network, the Florida Chamber will continue to communicate with businesses and voters about the importance of supporting Amendment 1.
Barney Bishop, president and CEO of The Associated Industries of Florida said, "Too many Floridians feel trapped in their homes, unable to move because of the crush of higher taxes. It is a first step in helping seniors on fixed incomes and first-time homebuyers; an opportunity that Floridas homeowners cannot afford to oppose."
-- from Yes On 1 Florida
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Governor Crist: Vote ‘Yes’ On Amendment 1
Outreach efforts to empower Floridians to cut their property taxes underway.
TALLAHASSEE - As absentee ballots for the upcoming January 29th election are hitting mailboxes, "Yes on 1 Save our Homes NOW" today announced a number of its outreach efforts to educate Floridians about the Amendment 1 tax cuts.
“If you are overwhelmed by high property taxes and want a tax cut, then you should vote Yes on 1,” said Governor Crist. “Visit YesOn1Florida.com before you cast your ballot and see how Amendment provides a tax cut for homeowners pocketbook.”
 The group announced several enhancements to its website, YesOn1Florida.com, including a new Citizens Corps section that enables Floridians to download campaign signs, contact local newspapers and show their support for this important tax cut by donating to the campaign. Another new section on the Yeson1Florida.com website enables Floridians to learn more about how the tax cuts might apply to their situation.
“Whether you post a sign in your yard or window, write a letter to your local newspaper, forward emails about Yes on 1 to a friend, or just talk to a family member about this important tax cut, you should get involved today by visiting our website,” added Senator Mike Fasano, chairman of the group.
In an effort to educate as many Floridians as possible, the group also began mailing an informational brochure to voters across the state highlighting the benefits of the tax cutting amendment. Additionally, this week many homeowners will begin receiving a recorded message from Governor Crist encouraging them to vote Yes on 1 when they cast their absentee ballot.
“The system is broken but you have the power to fix the system and lower property taxes for all Floridians, guaranteed by law,” Governor Crist said in the recorded message. “When you cast your absentee ballot, remember to vote “Yes on 1” to double your homestead exemption and make Save Our Homes portable. Stand with me and stand up for Florida, vote “Yes on 1!
For more information on the amendment see www.YesOn1Florida.com.
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Vote 'Yes' On 1
Amendment gives citizens the power to cut their property taxes.
By Charlie Crist
 TALLAHASSEE -- Please join me today in supporting Yes on 1. This historic property tax amendment doubles your homestead exemption and allows you to take your Save Our Homes tax savings with you when you purchase a new home. On January 29th, you will have the power to cut your taxes and boost the state’s economy by voting ‘yes’ on Amendment 1.
This issue continues to be in the forefront of people’s minds and the time for property tax relief is now. Property taxes in Florida have more than doubled in the last nine years and local government budgets are growing faster than our resident’s ability to pay for them.
Recently you may have read that fewer people are expected to move to our state as Florida’s housing market grinds to a halt under the crush of higher taxes. As a result, state economists lowered the estimate of overall tax savings provided under Amendment 1.
However, the numbers remain significant as more than $9 billion in tax relief savings would be provided to struggling homeowners. This tax cut is in addition to the $15-billion property-tax cut created during a June special legislative session that rolled back property taxes to 2006 levels.
It is unacceptable that seniors can’t afford the homes they live in, young potential homeowners can’t afford to buy, and our families can’t afford to sell. Floridians, our fate is in our own hands. By passing Amendment 1, $9.2 billion will be placed back into the pockets of Florida’s homeowners and the state economy.
Amendment 1 is an opportunity Florida homeowners cannot afford to oppose. Please visit www.Yeson1Florida.com to learn more about this tax cutting amendment. Again, I urge you to vote ‘yes’ on Amendment 1 on January 29.
Charlie Crist is governor of Florida.
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Cutting Property Taxes
Vote Yes On Amendment One
 TAMPA – “Floridians have been suffering long enough,” said the governor, who called for Floridians to vote ‘Yes on 1’ on Jan. 29. Fasano will help lead the bi-partisan group of Floridians who will work for the passage of the amendment. “It is time to cut taxes even further and I am honored to serve as co-chair of this group,” the senator said. Nancy Riley, president of the Florida Association of Realtors, Roger Enzor, past president of the Florida Association of Realtors, and Barney Bishop, president and CEO of The Associated Industries of Florida, also appeared at the press conference.
According to the VoteYesOn1 – Save Our Homes Now committee, the first part of the law required local governments to roll-back taxes this year, and then to grow at a responsible rate in the future. The second part is a constitutional amendment creating a “Super Homestead Exemption” of up to $195,000 per homesteaded property, allowing for much needed relief to Floridians. Additional exemptions for low income seniors and small businesses are also provided.
Gov. Crist signed the first part of the tax break into law this summer, and Floridians are starting to reap the benefits. The second part of the tax break put the people in control of their own pocketbook. On Jan. 29, Floridians will have the power to cut their own taxes in a historic way by passing the constitutional amendment by voting “Yes on 1.”
In addition to support from citizens across the state, businesses are also supporting the plan to cut taxes. “Passage of this amendment is critical to the future of Florida,” said Riley. “It will provide first-time homebuyers a large tax exemption. It will begin to equalize property taxes among neighbors and it will allow the people who are the foundation of our neighborhoods — teachers, nurses, police officers and emergency first responders — to afford to live in the communities they serve.”
Bishop of The Associated Industries of Florida said: “The amendment that goes to voters on Jan. 29th represents a great opportunity for Floridians to help our state's economy. We have a chance to help our housing market get out of this significant slump and as the housing market improves, the state's coffers will expand and that will help jump start our economic recovery."
The following people will serve as committee members:
Senator Mike Fasano, Co-Chair
Paul Neaville, Co-Chair
Roger Enzor, past-president, Florida Association of Realtors
Paul Neaville, partner with the Markham Group, will also serve as executive director of the organization.
- FrontPageFlorida.com report
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Opinion
Vote ‘Yes’ On Amendment To Cut Your Property Taxes
By Carolyn Kling
ST. PETERSBURG -- Excessive property taxes are threatening to destroy the American dream of home and business ownership for many Floridians. Without question, we are facing a crisis situation. If citizens presently are not being taxed out of their homes, they are held captive. Also, there is ample evidence to suggest that people are starting to leave our state in significant numbers, citing skyrocketing property tax rates as an imperative reason. This trend must change. Fast.
The Opportunity Before Us
Through action taken recently by the Florida Legislature, however, help is on the way. An important step was accomplished following the June special legislative session when Governor Charlie Crist signed legislation to roll back and cap local property tax rates. This action should be considered only the beginning of meaningful property tax reform in our state. The legislature also voted to put a historic property tax relief and reform constitutional amendment on the January 29, 2008 statewide ballot.
While this proposal will provide significant property tax relief, passage is by no means guaranteed. This is a matter that deserves our full attention and our favorable consideration at the polls.
Benefiting the Majority
A vote in favor of the amendment will give property owners the choice of either maintaining their current “Save Our Homes” annual assessment cap, or changing to a new "super homestead exemption". The "super” exemption, combined with the recent statutory changes that “cut and cap” local property tax rates, will provide significant relief for the majority of homeowners. First-time homebuyers, buyers of lower-priced properties and those who purchased their homestead within the past five years will benefit the most. During a time when housing affordability has become a major issue, this amendment will also help teachers, firefighters, police officers and other vital service providers realize the American dream of homeownership.
In fact, according to an analysis conducted by this newspaper, the new “Super Homestead Exemption” would cut property taxes by about 70% for the owner of a new median-priced home in the Tampa Bay area. For example, the owner of a homestead property purchased in St. Petersburg in May of 2005, with a Just/Market Value of $207,800, would save an estimated $3,000 annually in property taxes – should the amendment pass.
Voter approval will be advantageous for other groups as well. Current homeowners, especially those benefiting under the “Save our Homes” cap, will no longer be punished financially for changing homes, whether they upsize or downsize. Therefore, regardless of their current situation, a vote in favor of the amendment would benefit all homeowners substantially in the future – and by offering a choice, hold harmless others who have no plans to ever move their homesteads.
An Important Choice
As citizens, we have before us a historic opportunity to in a meaningful way address the property tax crisis that is overwhelming our state. We are now at an important crossroads that concerns the very future of our state, and Governor Crist's leadership and support will be instrumental. We hope the “People’s Governor” will continue to work aggressively to ensure passage of this historic Property Tax Relief and Reform Constitutional Amendment that will greatly benefit so many of our citizens. If so, he can count on PINELLAS COUNTY REALTORS® to be by his side for the duration.
Let me assure everyone in the community that REALTORS® in the Pinellas County regional area very passionately support this historic Constitutional Amendment. Joined by REALTORS® around the state, we will continue to work tirelessly over the next seven months to make sure the amendment passes, and that citizens get the property tax relief they are demanding – and so rightfully deserve.
Carolyn Kling is chairman of the Pinellas Realtor® Organization, one of Tampa Bay area’s largest professional trade associations with 7,000 members. For more information, see www.pinellasrealtor.org or call (727) 347-7655.
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