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Lawmakers Discuss Property Taxes

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By GEOFF FOX, The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 29, 2008

DADE CITY - On the eve of Florida's presidential primary, two local Republican lawmakers talked property tax relief, state budget challenges and homeowners insurance to about 30 people in a town-hall meeting.

While state Sen. Victor Crist and state Rep. Will Weatherford both support the property tax amendment that's on today's ballot, Weatherford allowed that it's "not perfect."

"It has its flaws, but it's a starting point," the Wesley Chapel-based legislator said to the modest crowd at the historic Pasco County Courthouse.

Crist's characterization was somewhat different.

"The bill doesn't have flaws," the Tampa-based senator said. "It just doesn't go as far as some would like to have seen it go.

"People ask what it will do to education. It won't cripple schools. We exempted them from any impact, but you won't hear that in the news media. They always say it will damage public safety and schools.

"This sunsets in 10 years and would have to be reinstated," Crist continued. "If we experience an unforeseen impact, there will be a chance to vote on it again."

In order to be enacted, Amendment 1 must carry 60 percent of the statewide vote.

The legislators also spoke of the coming budget cycle, which Crist said will be one of the most difficult years during his 15-year tenure in the Florida Legislature.

When a woman in the audience said she was concerned about property insurance as well, Crist and Weatherford nodded their heads. It's a subject they're often asked about and, according to Weatherford, probably will be for some time.

"The property insurance issue just isn't going away," he said. "We can't just fix it in one year with one bill, unfortunately."

Reporter Geoff Fox can be reached at (813) 948-4217 or gfox@tampatrib.com.

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