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Poll Opened: October 23, 2008

Poll Closes: November 30, 2008

AMENDMENT 4: Lands Used For Conservation

ON THE BALLOT: "Requires Legislature to provide a property tax exemption for real property encumbered by perpetual conservation easements or other perpetual conservation protections, defined by general law. Requires Legislature to provide for classification and assessment of land used for conservation purposes, and not perpetually encumbered, solely on the basis of character or use. Subjects assessment benefit to conditions, limitations, and reasonable definitions established by general law. Applies to property taxes beginning in 2010."

THE GIST: It would create a tax exemption, beginning in 2010, for property owners who dedicate environmentally sensitive lands for conservation. In addition, it would allow conservation land to be taxed at a lower rate even if the land is developed later.

PROS: It would help protect Florida's agricultural lands against housing and commercial development, in addition to encouraging private landowners to conserve more of Florida's forests, waters and wildlife.

CONS: Developers could use the law to get a lower tax rate.

- Russell Ray

Related Links: Other Amendments On The Ballot

AMENDMENT 3: Assessed Value Of Residential Property
AMENDMENT 1: Relating To Property Rights/Ineligible Aliens
AMENDMENT 8: Local Option Community College Funding
AMENDMENT 2: Florida Protection Of Marriage
AMENDMENT 4: Lands Used For Conservation
AMENDMENT 6: Working Waterfront Property

Related Links: Voter Guide

Related Links: Election 2008

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