[DanBev]

Originally Posted by beachmouse

Florida is a homestead property state, so your property taxes are set at the time you buy your home and, under most circumstances, can essentially only go up 3% a year on your declared primary residence.

We bought pre-boom in 2001, and pay about $1100/year in property tax. If we sold our house, the new property tax payment on the property would be determined by the sales price at the time and the new owner would pay about $2500.

So what probably see in the listings is the tax the current owners pay. If it seems low, then the current owners have had the property a long time and have taken advantage of the cap in increases. The high tax properties were likely bought at the peak of the boom, or else the home has been a rental property. (Rental properties are not eligible for homestead exemption, and the taxes went up on them significantly during the boom)

The number you'd pay for property taxes if you bought a home in 2009 would likely be somewhere in the middle of the extremes you see. If the tax you'd pay doesn't reflect current market conditions, you can appeal the assessment at the county tax collector's office to get them lowered to the correct market amount. (Though granted some counties make this harder than others)

Most probably will not agree,we just sold our home and moved into home we purchased awhile back,with no homestead taxes were $1300,we just filed for homestead and portability etc..With all exemptions we will zero out on taxes,we have been here for 20 years.The party buying home will be taxed at market price.Never had raise in pension in 20 years,so like benefit.

[ChrisA70]

Florida is not even on the top 10 list for growing population anymore. It was for years and years. NC is sounding better all the time.

[JimCali]

Originally Posted by ConeyIsBabe

Florida always has been, and will continue to be - a place where retired people want to live ! They prefer the warmer winters and they have guaranteed income.

Maybe that's true for a lot of retirees. However, I personally could not handle the heat and humidity so I took my guaranteed income and returned to a moderate climate. I found out there is no Utopia for me as far as the weather is concerned.

[crunchtime]

Originally Posted by iuki001

We are retired. Although Florida was our number one choice because we love tropical weather (including the rain), due to high property taxes and homeowners/hurricane insurance rates, we will probably move to Arizona (even with their State income tax) when we sell our home here in Washington State. Also, AZ is more RV-friendly when it comes to parking your RV on your property.


iuki

Well you will have some tropical weather to enjoy here in July and August and the taxes are not that high. Rv-friendly only in non-HOA communities though. We just met a couple that just moved from Florida. Couldn't sell their home so now just renting it out. I think they just wanted out for those reasons given in previous posts. Supposed to hit 72 degrees today so I think I'll do some fishing. Hope your weather gets better soon.

[Bideshi]

Originally Posted by Thxcv

many people have lost hope for the future of the United States. Therefore, it is not just Florida that is losing it's people; it's the entire USA as many middle class people are especially moving to Canada.

I question your claim on the grounds that it is not in any way easy to relocate to Canada. I have tried for years to find a way to qualify for landed residence without success. I don't doubt that many would like to go to Canada, but the reality is, as I know it, that most cannot.

[Wild Style]

Originally Posted by JimCali

Maybe that's true for a lot of retirees. However, I personally could not handle the heat and humidity so I took my guaranteed income and returned to a moderate climate. I found out there is no Utopia for me as far as the weather is concerned.

You are not alone. A lot of retirees have been returning to the north. NYTs did a piece on this a few months back.

[TANaples]

Originally Posted by JimCali

Maybe that's true for a lot of retirees. However, I personally could not handle the heat and humidity so I took my guaranteed income and returned to a moderate climate. I found out there is no Utopia for me as far as the weather is concerned.

Binghampton? Most people here would consider that outright BRUTAL weather. My daughter went to SUNY Cortland. She also played ice hockey and we travelled all around upstate NY (from LI) in the winters.

Actually, of all the places I have been to around the country, I would say Northern Ca. has the most "moderate" temps. Unfortunately, that is clear across the country, VERY expensive, and you have to worry about earthquakes.

Personally, I would rather just go back to NY. Hang in there for 4 and a half more years (if my sanity holds up), get my state of Florida pension, and book outa here.

[iuki001]

Originally Posted by crunchtime

Well you will have some tropical weather to enjoy here in July and August and the taxes are not that high. Rv-friendly only in non-HOA communities though. We just met a couple that just moved from Florida. Couldn't sell their home so now just renting it out. I think they just wanted out for those reasons given in previous posts. Supposed to hit 72 degrees today so I think I'll do some fishing. Hope your weather gets better soon.

From what I've read here in the City-Data Forum, even in non-HOA communities (which are difficult to find), i.e., in Jacksonville, many homeowners receive notices and/or fines for parking their RVs on their property. In Arizona, even in HOA communities, RVs are usually allowed behind a gate on your property. At least we'll have Florida as a vacation destination.

As for our weather here in Washington, we finally got rid of the snow, but flooding has been a major problem for many people. We are fortunate to be located on property that is not affected by flooding. I envy your 72-degree weather and tropical environment.

Thanks for your thoughts. Enjoy your day.

iuki

[tallrick]

Originally Posted by DailyJournalist

Can you please explain how losing tax revenue will help Florida?

Less population means less excuses to spend money. Less tax revenue means smaller government, which benefits everyone. Things were a lot better in the 1950's when population was much less.

[Wild Style]

Originally Posted by tallrick

Less population means less excuses to spend money. Less tax revenue means smaller government, which benefits everyone. Things were a lot better in the 1950's when population was much less.

While I kinda agree with you. It is the process of getting to that less government point that is going to be hardship for Florida. Depopulation, stores closing, more layoffs, more foreclosures, crime picking up etc. This is going to be a tuff, long ride.