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RESOLUTION URGING THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO PASS HB 51, SB 1004 OR SIMILAR LEGISLATION THAT PROVIDES ADDITIONAL FLEXIBILITY IN MAKING PARTIAL PAYMENTS OF PROPERTY TAXES

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WHEREAS, recent downturns in the economy have created financial burdens for many homeowners and small businesses; and
WHEREAS, Florida law currently requires payment of the full amount of a property tax bill in order for the Tax Collector to accept the payment tendered; and
WHEREAS, bills have been filed for consideration during the 2008 state legislative session that would provide added flexibility in making partial payments of property taxes, SB 1004 by Senator Mike Fasano and HB 51 by Representative Seth McKeel; and
WHEREAS, SB 1004 and HB 51 authorize Tax Collectors to accept any payment that is a portion of the total amount of property taxes owed, with interest and penalties applying only to the amount of taxes that remain unpaid; and
WHEREAS, providing additional flexibility in paying property taxes could assist many homeowners and small businesses given the current economic conditions,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, that this Board:

Section 1. Urges the Florida Legislature to pass HB 51, SB 1004 or similar legislation that would provide added flexibility to property owners in making partial payments of property taxes.
Section 2. Directs the Clerk of the Board to transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the Governor, Senate President, House Speaker, Chair and Members of the Miami-Dade County State Legislative Delegation, Senator Mike Fasano and Representative Seth McKeel.
Section 3. Directs the County's state lobbyists to advocate for the legislation set forth in Section 1 above, and directs the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs to include this item in the 2008 State Legislative Package.