For Immediate Release:
 July 06, 2006

Media Contact:
Jeremy Glazer

 305-375-5218



Commissioner Sorenson Receives Presidential Award from the Florida Association of Counties


(Miami-Dade County, FL) -- Commissioner Katy Sorenson was awarded the 2006 Presidential Advocacy Award by the Florida Association of Counties at the July 6 Board of County Commissioners meeting.  Chris Holley, the Executive Director of the Florida Association of Counties, praised Commissioner Sorenson for her work with the organization, specifically for her advocacy on behalf of the portable property tax for seniors.
Chris Holley, Executive Director of the Florida Association of Counties gives Commissioner Katy Sorenson the 2006 Presidential Advocacy Award during the Board of County Commissioners meeting on Thursday, July 6, 2006. (Miami-Dade County/ Ben Thacker)
Chris Holley, Executive Director of the Florida Association of Counties gives Commissioner Katy Sorenson the 2006 Presidential Advocacy Award during the Board of County Commissioners meeting on Thursday, July 6, 2006. (Miami-Dade County/ Ben Thacker)

Sorenson led the effort to obtain state legislation that would allow homeowners 55 and older or the permanently disabled a one-time portability of their property assessment.  These homeowners would be able to take their current property assessment with them if they moved to a house of equal or lesser size and equal or lesser value within the same county.  This portability would allow many older homeowners who currently feel stuck in their homes to move without having a significant property tax increase.

“It makes sense for homeowners to be able to downsize, to move to a house that meets their needs, without being penalized,” Sorenson said.  “I will continue to work with the Florida Association of Counties and our state legislature to make this proposal a reality.”

There were several portability proposals during the 2006 legislative session.  A Property Tax Study has been commissioned by the legislature and will report back its findings in October of 2007.

“This problem isn’t going away,” Sorenson said.  “We have to do something to protect our most vulnerable homeowners.” 
 

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MIAMI-DADE COUNTY COMMISSIONER KATY SORENSON DISTRICT 8
Stephen P. Clark Center
111 NW 1st Street, Suite 220 Miami, Florida 33128
(305) 375-5218