Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008

Florida's proposed amendments

RESTORING PROPERTY RIGHTS OF ALIENS

Amendment 1 would end the Legislature's ability to regulate the property rights of "ineligible aliens."

GAY MARRIAGE BAN

Amendment 2 defines marriage as the legal union between only one man and one woman in the state Constitution. No other legal union would be recognized as marriage. Gay marriages and civil unions would be banned under state law.

RENEWABLE ENERGY AND HARDENED HOMES TAX BREAK

Amendment 3 would create a small tax break for Florida homeowners who harden their homes against hurricanes and wind damage. Renewable energy appliances like solar panels would become tax-exempt.

TAX BREAK FOR CONSERVATION LANDS

Amendment 4 by 2010 would create a property tax exemption for property owners who agree to put conservation easements on land that would prevent development there. It also would require the Legislature to create a new classification for conservation lands.

TAX BREAK FOR WORKING WATERFRONTS

Amendment 6 would strike a "highest and best use" provision from the state tax code giving a tax break to working waterfront businesses - marinas, boat repair facilities and commercial fishing businesses.

NEW SALES TAX FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGES

Amendment 8 would allow counties to ask voters to approve a local sales tax to pay for community colleges. If approved, the tax would sunset after five years, but voters could reauthorize it then.=