Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Legislators Raising Court Fees

The state's budget crisis is about to hit Floridians where it really hurts: their wallets.

Facing an unprecedented economic crisis, legislators are proposing to balance the state's $65 billion budget with hefty fees that will touch almost everyone. Rates will rise on anyone who drives a car, visits a state park or produces household garbage, as well as on some of life's least appealing prospects: foreclosure, divorce and death.

Court fees
More than $300 million could be raised through a new "graduated" court-fee system, which would charge wealthier residents more.

Death tax: Both chambers propose a new $20 fee for recording burial rights. People reserving a grace space, underground crypt, mausoleum and the like would be required to register the purchase with the county clerk and submit a $20 payment. (Revenue: indeterminate)

Probate cases: Filing fees would rise for probate cases, which involve taking guardianship of someone who is elderly or disabled or settling the estate of a deceased person. The current $280 charge would rise on a sliding scale. For cases involving estates valued at $50,000 to $250,000, the filing fee would increase to $1,000; for estates of $250,000 to $1million, the fee would increase to $2,000; for estates of $1million or more, the fee would increase to $5,000. (Revenue: $63.5 million)

Full Article and Source:
Florida legislators propose fees that would hit your wallet hard

See also:
FL Senate - House 5117: Relating to Court Finances

4 comments:

  1. All they have to do us cut waste - not raise court fees or slash services.

    Government is known to be wasteful. Clean up your act, FL, that's all you need do.

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  2. Perhaps the FL legislators would consider giving up a portion of their paychecks instead????

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  3. It appears the state of FL is out to make a killing.

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