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Suit Filed To Stop Tax Swap

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 4, 2008

TALLAHASSEE - TALLAHASSEE - A coalition opposed to a proposed "tax swap" constitutional amendment has filed a lawsuit challenging the ballot language on the initiative.

The group represents educators, accountants, small businesses and farmers. It contends Florida's constitution was not intended to include substantive tax laws. They also say Amendment 5 could create a $9 billion hole in the state's budget.
Amendment 5 would reduce property tax bills about 25 percent by abolishing a portion that goes exclusively to schools. The Legislature would have to replace that money from other sources, most likely a higher sales tax.

The Taxation and Budget Reform Commission, which meets every 20 years, put the amendment on the ballot. It has the backing of Gov. Charlie Crist and the state's Realtors, who think the swap would jump-start their lagging sales.

The Associated Press

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