REAL ESTATE TAXES – A survey conducted for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and Florida Times-Union found that 21 percent of Florida voters have not yet decided whether to vote for the property tax amendment or not.
Another property tax amendment will appear on the ballot in November – but relief under it would be very limited and specific. The measure, if approved by voters,
would exempt storm shutters, solar water heating systems, other energy-saving improvements and hurricane-resistant shingles, doors and windows from property tax assessments.
HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE – Allstate Corp. can still write insurance policies in Florida, at least for a while. The 1st District Court of Appeal says the company can keep conducting business as it appeals an order that the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation issued as punishment for Allstate’s failure to submit subpoenaed documents.
ISSUES FOR NAPLES RESIDENTS IN PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN – Where do the presidential candidates stand on issues important to Floridians? Who supports national disaster insurance? Who opposes oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico? Who advocates Everglades restoration?
MORTGAGES – President George W. Bush and Congress are discussing economic stimulus packages to ward off a recession, and to help homeowners and the national economy by increasing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s mortgage ceiling from $417,000 to $625,000.