by Michele Gillis
Staff Writer
It’s that time of year again.
When the Florida Legislature’s session ends, John Sebree, vice president of Public Policy for the Florida Realtors, makes his rounds to update associations.
He visited the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors last month at their meeting at the Jacksonville Marriott.
“It was exciting, let me tell you,” said Sebree.
Sebree said that the good things included passage of legislation that will stimulate condominium sales, a law requiring oversight of appraisal management companies, repeal of the Windstorm Rating Disclosure, doc stamps on Short Sales based on agreed sales price and tax breaks for homeowners with tainted drywall.
“We got pretty much almost everything we asked for, which is unprecedented,” said Sebree. “It’s really amazing that we could walk away with so much success.”
Septic tank inspections were also a big deal.
“The Department of Health wanted a site-based system at every property that has a septic tank,” he said. “There are over 250,000 in the state. They wanted every one of them replaced with a site-based system, so you would basically have your own sewage treatment plan in your back yard. These things cost $5,000 to $15,000. It’s a big deal.”
Finally, they came to an agreement to do a $2 million study on septic tanks. There will be an inspection every five years and the maximum cost will be $30. The money will go into a pool to help people replace their systems in the future if they fail.
Also, money was allotted to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to combat unlicensed activity.
“The important thing is to get the word out to the public about unlicensed activity and how to report it,” said Sebree.
Future things to look out for, according to Sebree, included Amendment 3, which covers property tax reform.
“This remains a top priority for Floridians because of the unprecedented growth in property tax rates over the past 12 years,” said Sebree.
“Just like last year, the budget was the big deal,” he said. “The legislature started with the budget, knowing that is one thing they are charged with doing. They have to pass a budget.”
They did, but next year will be a big problem, he said.
According to Sebree, they already knew there was a $3.2 billion shortfall.
“We’ve had federal stimulus money the last two years to prop up the budget. Next year, when we don’t have the stimulus money, we are looking at that $3.2 budget shortfall to double,” said Sebree. “What we tell the legislators is that if you do something for the real estate and give it a shot in the arm, you’ll see money coming back into the government.”
Also, this year is unique in that 85 percent of the Florida elected officials are moving up or moving out of the legislature.
“It is historic,” said Sebree. “Never in the lifetime of anyone in this room has every cabinet post been open at the exact same time with none of those candidates running for re-election. In about seven months we are going to have a totally new cabinet in the state of Florida. That has never happened in the history of Florida.”
Sebree also made it very clear for everyone to use any resource or talent they have to get the word out to vote against Amendment 4, the vote-on-everything amendment to the Florida Constitution.
He lauded the local association, too.
“We are successful because of our grass roots. This board is a constantly a leader in your responses to Call to Action. It probably helps that they come from Wendell Davis (Watson executive who is president of Florida Realtors) because you all know him personally.
“This association leads the state in number of major donors to the Realtor Political Action Committee. You are the group that other associations look to as an example. We wish every board was like NEFAR when it comes to your success with RPAC and your grass roots. A big thanks to all of you for making my job easier.”