Brian Blair
(Tampa, FL) – Brian Blair, Republican candidate for the Florida House of Representatives (District 47), wants to change the law in regard to the “highest and best use” tax.
The “highest and best use” tax allows county governments to assess a tax on a residential or commercial property based on the highest use home or business on the block.
In other words, a person who owns an empty commercial lot next to a flourishing business could be charged the same amount of property tax as the successful business.
A similar analogy would be this: A man has a 1998 Blazer and his neighbor has a 2010 Blazer. Should the government be allowed the opportunity to charge the same tax on the man with the ’98 vehicle as they do on his neighbor’s brand new SUV? Under the current law, the county can do exactly that when it comes to property tax for residential or commercial real estate.
At this point in time, residents of Hillsborough County who believe that they are being over taxed via the “highest and best use” tax can start by complaining to the tax appraiser’s office. If that doesn’t work, the taxpayer can request a hearing with a magistrate. If they still are not satisfied, they can appeal next to the Value Adjustment Board (VAB).
“I was chairman of the Value Adjustment Board for three years,” stated candidate Brian Blair. “During that time, I witnessed firsthand how unfair the assessment was at times to both residential and business owners.
“If I am blessed as the next Florida House Representative from District 47, my first priority will be to sponsor a bill to eliminate the ‘highest and best use’ tax and change the wording to the ‘Current and Actual Use.’ The ‘highest and best use’ tax is just too subjective to be fair.
“I received similar feedback from appraisers like Villy Smith in Marion County and Rob Turner here in Hillsborough County. They agree that what I have to say makes complete sense and would make their jobs easier.
“We should not continue to punish hard working home or business owners with such an unjust tax. With a new, fair property tax, we can still provide services for citizens through prudent spending and by eliminating duplication in government.”
To learn more about Brian Blair, please visit: http://www.brianblair.com/
For Brian Blair interview requests, contact Shannon Rose at (813) 960-8412; (813) 389-0801, or info@mediaproductions.tv
Political advertisement paid for and approved by Brian Blair, Republican, for State House, District 47.
District 47 covers the majority of Northwest Hillsborough County.
Brian Blair is represented by Eclectic Media Productions PR Firm and their website is at http://mediaproductions.tv
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
