Florida Supreme Court to Review Amendment 5

Florida Supreme Court to Review Tax Swap Plan

TALLAHASSEE – The fate of the Amendment 5 tax swap is in the hands of the Florida Supreme Court.

The First District Court of Appeal in the state capitol today agreed to fore go its review of a state judge’s decision to strip from the ballot the plan that would eliminate most school property taxes, sending the case to the Supreme Court. The seven-justice body must agree to accept the case and hear arguments.

Last week, Circuit Judge John Cooper threw Amendment 5 off the Nov. 4 ballot, ruling that the summary prepared for voters was misleading about the potential effect the amendment could have on school funding.

Amendment 5 would cut Floridians’ property tax bills by one-quarter starting in 2010. To make up for the lost revenue, legislators would have to boost the state’s 6-cent sales tax by a penny and raise billions more in revenues by closing sales tax exemptions and cutting services.

The information herein is believed to be accurate but not guaranteed and may be subject to errors, omissions and changes without notice. This is not to be construed as a solicitation of property presently listed for sale.

All information is derived from the Palm Beach County Property Appraisers website and the MLS.