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How well do you know the ballot?
TBO.com
Published: October 11, 2012
This November, Florida voters will decide on 12 proposed amendments to the Florida Constitution.Published: October 11, 2012
To help our readers better make up their mind, Highlands Today has tried to explain the proposed measures in simple language, along with their possible impact.
We have broken the proposed measures down into three separate stories that will run the next few days.
This is the first of three stories.
Most of the research is from The Collins Center and Florida Trends.
Amendment 1
Title on ballot: Health Care Services
Sponsor/Originator: The Florida Legislature
Main Sponsors: Sen. Mike Haridopolos (R-Merritt Island) and Rep. Scott Plakon (R-Longwood)
What it would do: The amendment aims to prevent laws or rules from compelling any person or employer to purchase, obtain or provide for health care coverage in Florida. It would not apply to the individual mandate stipulated in the federal health care law, which has precedence over any state law.
The measure is a rehash of an earlier proposal rejected by the Florida Supreme Court, and, if approved, would prevent the state from implementing a Massachusetts-like health care law down the road, particularly if the federal health care law is repealed.
Budget impact: None
Amendment 2
Title on Ballot: Veterans Disabled Due To Combat Injury; Homestead Property Tax Discount
Sponsor/Originator: The Florida Legislature
Main Sponsors: Sen. Mike Bennett (R-Bradenton) and Rep. Doug Holder (R-Sarasota)
What it would do: This amendment would allow certain disabled veterans who were not Florida residents before they joined the military to qualify for a discount on their property taxes. This amendment expands a previous tax discount for wounded veterans who were residents of Florida when they entered the military, to include all veterans disabled as a result of combat.
The homestead property tax exemption for qualifying disabled veterans will be equal to their percentage of disability as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Supporters say it will help eligible older veterans with their bills. It also might draw veterans to buy homes in Florida. Opponents say it will further diminish property tax revenue that taxing entities need to operate.
Budget impact: The Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs estimates about 74,000 veterans may qualify. The Revenue Estimating Conference estimates the proposal would reduce statewide receipts by about $15 million between 2013 and 2016, and $7.6 million annually after that. On the flip side, the tax break could help stimulate Florida's housing industry. Potential impact in Highlands County is not known. The property appraiser's office currently has 667 properties that have various exemptions for disabled veterans.
Amendment 3
Title on Ballot: State Government Revenue Limitation
Sponsor/Originator: The Florida Legislature.
Main sponsors: Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff (R-Fort Lauderdale) and Rep. Steve Precourt (R-Orlando)
What it would do: It would limit the revenue the state collects to the amount collected the previous year plus an annual adjustment based on a combination of population growth and the rate of inflation. The current method of calculating the revenue limit is based on personal income, which has been in place since 1994.
The measure also would require excess revenue to be deposited into the Budget Stabilization Fund, either to support public education, or returned to taxpayers. The money for schools would be generated once the fund has reached its maximum balance. That would correspondingly reduce the "minimum financial effort" required by public school districts. If the minimum financial effort is no longer required, the money would be returned to taxpayers.
Supporters say the tougher state spending limits are needed to force lawmakers to spend responsibly and not overspend during periods of growth.
Those opposed say more than 20 state legislatures have rejected similar proposals. The spending limits would force governments to cut back on services during tough economic times when tax revenues drop and the need for public services goes up, they add.
Budget Impact: The proposed measure will restrict the state's ability to raise taxes, issue licenses, fees, fines. It limits the use of revenue received in excess of the constitutional limitation.
Amendment 4
Title on Ballot: Property Tax Limitations; Property Value Decline; Reduction For Nonhomestead Assessment Increases; Delay of Scheduled Repeal
Sponsor: The Florida Legislature
Main Sponsors: Sen. Mike Fasano (R-New Port Richey) and Rep. Chris Dorworth (R-Lake Mary)
What it would do: This amendment contains several provisions that would extend tax breaks for property owners.
Under current law, assessed values of properties that are non-homesteaded, such as rental and commercial properties or second homes, cannot go up more than 10 percent a year. The proposed measure reduces the assessment cap to 5 percent. It also delays the expiration of that cap to 2023.
It gives first-time home buyers or those who have not purchased a home in Florida in the past three years an additional homestead exemption phased out over five years. School taxes would be exempt from the additional homestead exemption, which would be equal to 50 percent of property's market value but not greater than the median market value of all homesteaded properties in the county where the property is located.
The measure also allows the Legislature to repeal Florida's "recapture" rule, which causes some taxable values on homesteaded property to rise even when market values have dropped.
Supporters say the tax breaks will stimulate the housing and commercial real estate markets and help property owners. Those against it say it will further erode the tax base of schools, cities and counties that are already grappling with cuts in tax revenues.
Budget impact: Total tax revenue losses over a three-year period have been estimated by the state at nearly $1 billion. Local millage rates may go up. Supporters say the amendment, if passed, will make property taxes more manageable and stable and give the real-estate market a shot in the arm.