FAIR PROPERTY TAX FOR ALL, INC

Q:  Who are we?

A:  We are a non-partisan group of citizens from Miami-Dade County concerned with property tax reform.  Some of our member’s names and occupations are listed on our website.

Q:  What are we proposing?

A:  We are proposing a new law to reform property taxes that will be helpful to homeowners, renters and small property owners. This law is to be presented and supported by the House of Representatives as well as the Senate.

Q:  Why are we doing it?

A:  Because people are losing their homes and businesses from unaffordable, unrealistic and obsolete property taxes. 

Q:  Where is the tax reform proposal?

A:  Our proposal can be viewed by logging on to our website and clicking on Our Proposal.

Q:  When will this take place?

A:  At present time it appears that the only entity that is capable of placing something as comprehensive as Our Proposal on the ballot is the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission which assembles and meets once every 20 years.  At present time we do not know where they stand nor what they are going to do if anything at all.

Q:  How can I do to help?
A:        1.  Spread the information by word of mouth, mail, faxes or email. 

          2.  Obtain our bumpers stickers and place them on your vehicles.

            3.  Support us through donations of any amount to the above address. 

Checks should be out to FAIR PROPERTY TAX FOR ALL, INC and mailed to 2660 SW 3 ST, Miami, FL 33135.

Q:  If property values are dropping, why is my assessment going up?

A: we are being made to believe that the assessments are based on the market value of similar properties that have been sold between January 2006 through the end of the year. This is an illogical assumption for people who have remained in their homes that were bought at a much lower price should not be compared with investors and/or new residents that are forced into paying whatever they are asked for.  This obviously does not represent the resale value of the property.I have been told that one of the reasons why the uncanny raise in property taxation has occurred is because assessments in 2006 following hurricanes Wilma and Katrina gave the taxpayers temporary reductions which are now being assessed and billed. 

Q:  Will I really be helped if I appeal the increase that I have received since I have received no real simple accessible information and/or have heard of anyone that has been helped using the appeals system?   

A: The appeals system has been prepared to fit the ongoing unfair humiliating system that has prevailed until now. It allows us minimal time to request and present our appeal as opposed to the property tax appraiser, it demands payment for the appeal to be accepted, it is cumbersome and requires a large amount of documentation and a hearing in front of a special magistrate which is essentially somebody who works for the tax appraiser’s office. If and it usually is for the common citizen that if a reverse situation is rendered, suits should be filed after presenting the case at the VAB, one would have to file a  suit at circuit court with again more expenditures and in order to have any kind of chance having to retain counsel at whatever hourly rates would be billed. Expenses incurred at these endeavors are not reimbursable.

Q:  What is happening now regarding property tax reform?

A:   There are numerous Grassroots Citizen's Iniatives proposing everything from capping property taxes and governmental spending to abolishing property taxes altogether.  We are supporting a 1.35% property tax cap amendment at this time.  We also have a more comprehensive plan under "Our Proposal."