Fla. Property Tax Cut Proposal Dies in Committee

12:59 PM, Feb 7, 2012   |    comments
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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- A ballot proposal that would further slash local property taxes for Florida homeowners is dead after a tie vote in a House committee.

Opponents say the proposed state constitutional amendment (HJR 1289) would shift the tax burden to businesses and other non-homestead properties.

They also argued it amounted to the Legislature "bullying" local governments.

Supporters say the proposed "super exemption" would help cure inequities among homeowners created by the existing Save Our Homes amendment. One advocate noted it would be a step toward eliminating property tax and replacing it with a sales tax increase.

Voters still will get a chance to cut property taxes through another proposal lawmakers already have placed on the November ballot.

Amendment 4 includes a smaller super exemption for homeowners and relief for non-homestead properties.