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
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
All they have to do us cut waste - not raise court fees or slash services.
ReplyDeleteGovernment is known to be wasteful. Clean up your act, FL, that's all you need do.
Right Anonymous.
ReplyDeleteEnough!
Perhaps the FL legislators would consider giving up a portion of their paychecks instead????
ReplyDeleteIt appears the state of FL is out to make a killing.
ReplyDelete