October 31, 2012

Election Day Decisions 2012

With less than a week until Election Day, it is important to know the items that will appear on the ballot on November 6. Most importantly, how these measures could potentially affect Floridians. There will be eleven items on the ballot, five which would offer tax breaks into the state constitution. You might be thinking, “Who doesn’t love a tax break?” Not so fast. Before you line up at the polls, make sure to take a closer look at these amendments and they could potentially affect you.

Here’s a quick recap of the tax amendments you will see on the ballot this season:

AMENDMENT 2- Allows for property tax discounts for disabled veterans.

AMENDMENT 4- Amends commercial and non-homestead property taxes. This amendment would save money for first-time home buyers, rental property owners and snowbirds. It could also cut taxes for homestead owners who lose value on their homes.

AMENDMENT 9- Authorizes the legislature to totally or partially exempt surviving spouses of military veterans or first responders who died in the line of duty from paying property taxes.

AMENDMENT 10- Would expand tangible personal property tax exemption for businesses from $25,000 to up to $50,000 for items such as computers and appliances.

AMENDMENT 11- Authorizes counties and municipalities to offer additional tax exemptions on homes of low-income seniors.

To read the full article, click here.

October 10, 2012

Merit Retention - VOTE YES

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The integrity of our Supreme Court here in Florida is under attack. This is a very important topic in Florida. Rick Scott and his right wing supporters want to stack the Florida Supreme Court with reactionary judges. This will be very bad for Floridians and would bode poorly for the nation. Once politics settles into the judiciary, we have lost democracy. Once the Political Action Committees are able to manipulate the voting public by disseminating lies and innuendo to sway the voter, we all have lost the freedom to vote. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the current make up of our Court. Justices Justices Lewis, Pariente and Quince are up for retention. Each have the Justices have been retained in the past without vitriolic attacks or fanfare. So why now? The current political administration wants ALL the power. They do not believe in the separation of powers as our forefathers did. This can't happen; we must all vote to retain the integrity of the court. Vote YES on retaining the current justices. Your future may well depend upon it.

Please take the time to watch this short video on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOdLJMzuSrE

If you are inclined to donate to the retention cause, you may do so here: www.defendjusticefl.com

October 4, 2012

State Farm Criminally Investigated for Hurricane Claims Violations

Florida Attorney

State Farm is being investigated criminally by Texas authorities for their handling of hurricane claims over the past several years. Texas insurance authorities are also investigating multiple years of insurance claims handling. It seems that the "good neighbor" doesn't like paying insurance claims, although they never seem to have a problem cashing a premium check. The investigations are centering around how internal policies, procedures and e-mails were set up to justify more than $1billion in hurricane roof damage claims.

As we proceed through the hurricane season, Floridians should note that any insurance company's decision on handling a claim is subject to review by the homeowner or policy owner. There are administrative and judicial remedies available to homeowners whose claims have been denied. LaBovick Law Group has a staff of attorneys experienced in insurance claims appeals and processing. We welcome the opportunity to help those in need, and we always offer free initial consultations.