[FLBoy]

At the risk of a firestorm, here are a couple thoughts on Florida Taxes. I see a LOT of people complaining on the board about high property taxes. High compared to what? Florida is 1 of only 7 states with NO state income tax. Are you comparing the property tax to other states with NO state income tax?...or the state you came from that had other means of revenue generation besides property and sales tax? You see, taxes are like one of those big long balloons....you squeeze one side and it gets smaller, but the other side just gets bigger. Okay, so lets imagine the legislature hears you and mandates lower property taxes...well, we squeezed the balloon, so it needs to get bigger somewhere else because we know the budget can't shrink, we can't afford to pay teachers now. So we institute a state income tax. Now all the non-working retired folks from up North get lower property taxes and don't contribute any income tax. Thus, they are living in Florida and not contributing thier fair share....and I, the resident get to offset that because I'm here year round working.

Thanks but no thanks. I'm not saying I like to pay taxes...but we all have to. Given the dynamics of the transient non-working Florida population, I think I'll take higher property taxes in favor of no state income tax. Moreover, even with the higher property taxes, I think net-net its probably a better deal compared to a state with a state income tax (just my experience living other places with both types of taxes).

Feel free to bring out the flame throwers now.

[clearwaterlargodude]

i agree, i think homeowners insurance is the most pressing issue not property taxes lots of states have higher or the same, and we have no state income tax already.

[covebound]

The taxes are hurting the older people that have been here for a long time.
They live on a fixed income and with the higher taxes and insurance rates, they are having a hard time making ends meet here.

[watsont3]

Originally Posted by covebound

The taxes are hurting the older people that have been here for a long time.
They live on a fixed income and with the higher taxes and insurance rates, they are having a hard time making ends meet here.

I am not so sure that taxing their income or raising the sales tax would make it any easier for them to live.
Maybe elimination of property tax assessment on senior citizens is the answer or at least reducing their taxes but then the taxes on everyone else will have to raised to make up the shortfall.

[macguy]

Originally Posted by covebound

The taxes are hurting the older people that have been here for a long time.
They live on a fixed income and with the higher taxes and insurance rates, they are having a hard time making ends meet here.

That is why they have the SOH so old people don't get taxed out of their houses. Many have no morgage and can, as I have myself, just drop the windstorm. My cost of living here is very cheap. I would not want to be a new home owner with a couple of kids though trying to make ends meet. Having said that, I am selling my house and leaving anyway for other reasons besides cost.

[watsont3]

Originally Posted by clearwaterlargodude

how bout the 20 something middle class we get very over looked, go to college have to pay them outstanding student loans and the jobs dont pay nothing when you get out

I believe that when the Generation Xers get into the positions of power, they will remember that organizations like AARP and others have fought for the seniors in this country with, IMHO, no thought being given to the effect on the younger folks and the politicians who pander to the senior vote because senior citizens do vote in great numbers.
Every tax break or program that we fund has to be offset by raising taxes or fee on someone else.

[Buddy263]

That's why we need a national Flat tax. 30% of everyone's income, 10% to Feds, 10 to state, 10 to local.

Do away with the BS state to state income taxes and taxes on different items like phone service. they charge you property taxes but then let you deduct mortgage interest. In NY they charge you property taxes then some communities actually add a school tax even if you have no children in public school.

South Carolina charges a tax on the vehicles you own and how old they are. But you don't have to get them inspected to make sure they operate properly.

Since there is no real sales tax on the internet when you buy something why do we have to pay sales tax at a local store that employs our local people. Consumers often avoid shopping at local stores to avoid the sales tax.

It's time to nationalize the system.

[covebound]

Originally Posted by clearwaterlargodude

how bout the 20 something middle class we get very over looked, go to college have to pay them outstanding student loans and the jobs dont pay nothing when you get out

Maybe the young should move to a place where they can make a better income. Florida doesn't pay very well at all.

[sunrico90]

Originally Posted by covebound

Maybe the young should move to a place where they can make a better income. Florida doesn't pay very well at all.

I will say that depends on the individual education, trait, and experience (basic). If you want to get paid at a nice rate, go to the location that your trait is in demand simple. For example if you are in a location that limited IT jobs are available don't hope for many jobs paying well. Is all demand and supply.

If you want a good paying job, at times you have to relocate to the source of the jobs....

I have many friends all over the state and they are making over $70K in their jobs. Most have the experience, education, and williness to adapt to the job market. We got to be flexible.

[covebound]

Originally Posted by sunrico90

I will say that depends on the individual education, trait, and experience (basic). If you want to get paid at a nice rate, go to the location that your trait is in demand simple. For example if you are in a location that limited IT jobs are available don't hope for many jobs paying well. Is all demand and supply.

If you want a good paying job, at times you have to relocate to the source of the jobs....

I have many friends all over the state and they are making over $70K in their jobs. Most have the experience, education, and williness to adapt to the job market. We got to be flexible.

You are right. People need flexibility in many things. If you can bend, then you can make money. Alot of people don't do this though. They need to think about what you say.