TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Dec. 20, 2007 – With the possibility of a tax break for businesses, some of Florida’s top real estate brokers and members of the Florida Association of Realtors (FAR) joined Gov. Charlie Crist in Tallahassee yesterday afternoon as a show of support for the property tax relief constitutional amendment voters will consider during the state’s primary election on January 29.

Among other things, Amendment 1 — the only amendment on the ballot — calls for a $25,000 tangible personal property exemption for small businesses on items such as business equipment and other tax breaks for property owners.

“The ripple effect [following passage of this amendment] of getting relief to those who have been locked in their homes will be huge and will be felt throughout the real estate industry,” said Juan Baixeras, a broker with Florida Realty of Miami.

FAR is one of several business groups that support Amendment 1. Others include the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Associated Industries of Florida, Florida Power & Light, Florida Retail Federation, The Florida Outdoor Advertising Association and the Florida Medical Association.

“I applaud Realtors for lending support to such an important issue like property tax cuts,” said Gov. Crist.  “Amendment 1 will bring about much needed relief to Florida’s homeowners and will enable them to have more flexibility in purchasing a new home.”

2007 FAR President Nancy Riley helped organize the meeting between the governor and many of the state’s largest real estate brokers. At the meeting, Crist outlined how Amendment 1 would benefit Floridians, including those who want to move into a different or new home, seniors seeking to downsize and business owners facing rising property values.

“This amendment is a great start,” said Clark W. Toole, a broker with Coldwell Banker Residential. “We all want more and I know the Realtor association and governor are working hard toward additional relief.”

The brokers, who work with thousands of Realtors across the state, said they remain committed to providing grassroots support to assist in educating as many Floridians as possible about why Amendment 1 should be approved.

“With more than 150,000 members, the Florida Association of Realtors is the largest trade association in the state and we will harness all of our resources to help pass Amendment 1,” said FAR President Nancy Riley.  “Floridians have been burdened long enough and a yes vote for Amendment 1 is a yes vote for Florida’s future.”

For more information about Amendment 1, go to: www.Yeson1Florida.com.

© 2007 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS