Amendment #3 Passed

AMENDMENT #3: CHANGES AND IMPROVEMENTS NOT AFFECTING THE ASSESSED VALUE OF RESIDENTIAL REAL PROPERTY

Reference: Article VII, sections 3, 4, and a new section

Summary: Authorizes the Legislature, by general law, to prohibit consideration of changes or improvements to residential real property which increase resistance to wind damage and installation of renewable energy source devices as factors in assessing the property's value for ad valorem taxation purposes. Effective upon adoption, repeals the existing renewable energy source device exemption no longer in effect.

Sponsor: Florida Budget and Taxation Reform Commission

Background: Increased value of residential property based on improvements designed to improve hurricane safety could not be assessed as taxable increased value.

PRO:

* Hurricane safety may be improved in residential property.
* Residential property values may be increased.
* The amendment may relieve the burden on non-renewable energy sources.

CON:

* Local revenues could suffer.
* Individuals' savings may be minimal.
* The amendment does not apply to new construction.

Solar Panels - Leasing Option

Solar Energy was my first thought when it came to Going Green. I became very interested in this after watching an episode of Extreme Makeover – Home Edition. The episode took part in the mid-west on an Indian Reservation and the show hooked the new home up to a windmill that allow the owners to actually sell excess electricity back to the grid. I knew that wind was probably not an option for us, so I started looking around at Solar Energy. The start up cost for the majority of the systems was cost prohibitive. Then I came across a company called Citizenrē REnU (this company was featured on a HGTV Show in 2007) that allows you to lease a system. Sounded like a good idea, so I signed up. However, it looks as if this company is having a difficult time getting off the ground. I have had no communication from them since July 2008. I am now looking to alternative solutions.