Senate backs cuts to DMV fees, insurance tax credit
31.12.69
TALLAHASSEE - A proposal to end a tax credit that out-of-state insurance companies have enjoyed for a quarter century - so that an unpopular hike on vehicle-registration fees could be reduced - cruised through the Senate on Wednesday.
Senators backed the measure (SB 1832) by Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, that scales back the controversial 2009 fee increases by $12 a year, a 55 percent drop, over the objection of some insurance industry lobbyists.
“It's nice to finally call a bluff,” said Sen. Jeremy Ring, D-Margate. “It's nice to finally stand up and say 'You know what, your business is not going to go under, the state is not going to collapse, we're not going to hit 12 percent unemployment because we're removing these tax exemptions.'“
The proposal by Negron, who chairs the Senate's Appropriations Committee, must still get House support.
The tax credit targeted by Negron covers 15 percent of salaries of non-licensed workers that out-of-state insurance companies
bHoliday Home Insurance/b – The Perils In The Policy | Social b.../b
For many people, owning a holiday home is a dream come true, somewhere to escape from the daily rigors of life, somewhere to totally relax and possibly ( unless your lucky enough to be able to spend a good deal of time at your property) a means of securing an additional form of income by way of short term rentals. However, its not all plain sailing and if you don’t want you holiday property to turn in to a liability, you will have to spend some time, ” managing ” its up keep. It has been statistically proven that holiday homes are at a greater risk , from two major perils; Theft & Burst Pipes, but you can take steps to help minimise the chance of either happening at any property you own. Although both of these perils will be covered by a holiday home insurance policy, (subject to terms & conditions), preventing a loss is preferable and it should help to keep your premiums down as well.
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Although, many properties do not have high sums insured for contents, you still would not want a break in to occur. So what can be done to deter the would be thief from targeting your property. Most thieves are opportunists and will undoubtedly be able to spot a house that does not looked lived in. So making your property look as occupied as possible will assist. Some of the following are easy to attend to.
1- Keep the garden and grounds in good order, there is nothing like an un cut lawn to advertise that a property is not being lived in. You may attend to the garden in the summer months, but winter is equally important. Thieves like to work, undisturbed , so any hedges, bushes or trees that become over grown may help a thief stay hidden from view. At least once a year, make sure that the drains and guttering etc and checked, to make sure they’re free from leaves etc. Leaves and rubbish blocking drains can often lead to problems with flooding especially now as seem to be experiencing more intense downpours.
