•  FLORIDA CAPITOL NEWS
Just one day after the state legislature passed a property tax plan, Governor Crist is hitting the campaign trail, to convince *voters, to pass it.

He hit 4 cities today, and will be in Fort Walton Beach tomorrow.

The governor says he believes the tax cut will fire up Florida's economy, which has been slowed down, by a sluggish housing market.

But some homeowners may be *disappointed, in the average estimated savings, of 2 hundred and 40-dollars a year.

For many homeowners... The estimated tax savings may seem a bit low.

Leaving many to question...

Who really benefits under the new plan?

We found one rental property owner who says the changes will help him stay in business.

Steven Profitt is sprucing up this townhouse with hopes of renting it in December. Since he bought it 2003, he's seen his property taxes go up each year. He believes a 10 percent cap on future increases will help keep him from selling the place.

Steven Profitt/Rental Homowner
"I'll take any dollar saving any day. I'm sure anybody would. Whether it's 20 dollars, 30 dollars, I'll take any penny saved."

For Steven, what he pays for his mortgage here equals what he gets in rent. If he raised the rent, he wouldn't find any takers.

And if he gets the 725-dollars a month he's asking, it will not cover insurance and taxes.

Steven Profitt/Rental Homeowner
"You add on insurance increases over the last few years too, and you're always behind. That's the situation I'm at here."

Profitt stood next to Governor Charlie Crist at the Capitol, who's taking the pitch to change property tax laws to voters statewide.

Gov. Charlie Crist (R)
"The rental properties help him save money to save for retirement."

Steven Profitt hopes lawmakers are just getting started.

Steven Profitt
"I think this is a step in the right direction and I'm proud to be part of it."
And he believes voters will pass the amendment, and help keep homeowners like him in the rental business.

60 percent of voters have to approve the property tax cut amendment, on January 29Th, for it to go through.Who Benefits From Property Tax Plan
 

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Thursday afternoon was an active one with many severe thunderstorm warnings around the area -- and Friday could bring similair conditions. There is a 40% of scattered storms on Friday with a high of 88 degrees. It will be mostly cloudy thoughout the day and into the evening hours. At firework time, expect a 30% of isolated evening storms. The rest of the holiday weekend will be the same; scattered storms, some strong, with hot and humid conditions between showers.


 

 

 

 



   
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 

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