Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Florida Property Tax News: Gas Tax Not Subject of Special Legislative Session

Today's May 23 issue of the Miami Herald reported Miami-Dade County's attempt to suspend some gasoline taxes during the summer driving season.

The County Commission formally asked the Legislature and Congress to halve gas taxes for three months, hoping to provide some relief from record prices. Since all taxes in this State are required by the constitution to be imposed pursuant to statute, the County's request that this matter be addressed by the State Legislature at it special session of June 12 - June 22 would appear on its face to be timely and proper.

The problem with this request is that the proclamation issued by the Legislature convening the special session explicitly ststest that "the Legislature is convened for the sole and exclusive purpose of considering legislation to reduce and/or restructure ad valorem taxes."

Gas taxes are not ad valorem taxes. The County's request is therefore out of order.
_______________________________________________________
Daniel A. Weiss has over 26 years experience as a Florida property tax attorney. Daniel Weiss was named in the 2007 Annual Edition of the South Florida Legal Guide as one of the top lawyers in the practice areas of both Real Estate - Land Use, Zoning & Environmental and Real Estate - Commercial. For a free consultation regarding your property, contact Click here