KEY CONCERNS AT GREAT
REALTOR® DAYS IN FLORIDA
AMERICAN
1.
Reduce the Business Rent Tax: Florida charges a 6%
sales tax on business rent, which creates a financial burden
for any business that leases space. Lowering the business
rent tax will provide Florida businesses with the capital to
expand, hire more employees, improve benefits, and raise
salaries.
WHAT IS A KEY CONTACT?
Key Contacts are Realtors® selected by Florida Realtors®
Leadership out of a pool of applicants who want to serve in
that role. They serve for a 2-year or 4-year term depending
on the official they apply for (since Representatives serve two-
year terms and Senators serve four year terms). Key Contacts
receive training from Florida Realtors® multiple times a year at
state meetings and they continually receive updated info from
the Florida Realtors ® office of Public Policy in Tallahassee
regarding legislative updates, tracking bills, and the roles of their
legislators in forming that language. Key Contacts are required
to attend these trainings and meetings like GARD, and must
meet with their official once a quarter at a minimum and provide
a meeting report to Florida Realtors®. Generally, Key Contacts
are on the local Public Policy committee due to their roles and
involvement, but not always. These relationships are ongoing
and the Realtors® who apply for the role usually have some prior
relationship with that official, whether it be friendship, business
relationship, or the Realtor® supported that person’s campaign.
In the Royal Palm Coast Realtor® Association, Jason Jakus, Next
Home Advisors, is the contact for Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto; Gary
Verwilt, Jones & Co. Realty, is the contact for Majority Leader Ray
Rodrigues; Bob Himschoot, Avery Realty Group, is the contact for
Rep. Matt Caldwell; Jeff Miloff, Miloff Aubuchon Realty Group,
is the contact for Majority Whip Dane Eagle; and Cindy Roberts,
Royal Shell Real Estate, is the contact for Representative Heather
Fitzenhagen. The National Association of Realtors® has this same
progra m for members and elected members of Congress and the
Senate in D.C. Blaine Elmer, Jones & Co. Realty and RPAC Chair,
is the Federal Political Coordinator for Congressman Francis
Rooney.
2.
Cap the fees for Estoppel certificates: Florida law
allows association management companies to charge
a “reasonable” fee for the preparation of an estoppel
certificate. Some companies, however, have turned this
administrative task into a revenue stream, sometimes
charging over $1,000. Sellers often don’t learn about these
charges till they receive closing documents and have no
option but to pay the fee. The bill will not only cap the fees
that association management companies may charge, but
also specify a set time frame for when the certificate must be
valid, and create a uniform requirement for information so
that an estoppel certificate for a property in Pensacola would
contain the same information as one for a Miami property.
3.
Increase funding for state housing trust funds:
Last year the Legislature allocated $200 million toward the
housing trust funds. These funds enable families to achieve
homeownership with down payment assistance. They
also provide housing rehabilitation and rental assistance
to Florida’s homeless, veterans, seniors and persons with
disabilities. As the economy strengthens and market values
rise, the need for housing assistance will increase, too. In
2017, there will be an estimated $300 million available for
housing programs.
4.
Support a permanent property tax cap on second
homes and businesses: In 2008, Florida voters approved
Amendment 1, which created a 10% cap on the annual
increase of property taxes for all non-homestead properties.
Non-homestead properties include second homes and
businesses across the state. This amendment will sunset on
January 1, 2019 unless it is renewed in the 2018 general
election, and will permanently extend the 10% cap on all
non-homestead properties.
5.
Reform Assignment of Benefits to keep property
insurance rates affordable: Assignments of Benefits (AOB)
allows a contractor or other company handling repairs for
a homeowner to work directly with the insurance company
and collect the homeowner’s insurance benefits. AOB abuse
by water remediation companies and roofers has led to a
significant increase in both the frequency and severity of
insurance claims. Now insurers need to raise premiums. This
bill would reduce AOB Fraud.
RPCRA.ORG | MAY/JUN 2017
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