PAGE 8 August 8, 2007
THE NEWSCASTER - Nature Coast News
Real Estate Today
NOTICE OF HEARING TO IMPOSE AND
Keep It Legal
PROVIDE FOR COLLECTION OF
A Guest Commentary by Darryl Diamond
EMS TAX ASSESSMENT
The state of Florida has a system which educates prospective agents,
Notice is hereby given that the County Commission of Levy County will
which leads to that person being licensed to sell real estate. All licensee agents
conduct a public hearing to consider the continued imposition of an annual emer-
must take additional schooling right after they get licensed, and then a 14 hour
gency medical services tax assessment for the provision of emergency medical
course for renewal of their license every two years.
services within the unincorporated and all incorporated areas of Levy County
Well that is great, but what about educating the public on the rules
pursuant to section 125.271, Florida Statutes, and the collection of the EMS tax
and regulations that will govern the biggest purchase of the average person's
assessment on the tax bill.
life. More information may be available on the internet as time goes by, but as
The hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. on September 4, 2007, in the County
of today it seems that most of the public is unaware of many regulations that regulate this
Commission meeting room of the Levy County Courthouse, 355 South Court Street,
industry.
Bronson, Florida, for the purpose of receiving public comment on the proposed
As an example, I was recently asked to assist two sellers who wished to exchange
assessments. All affected property owners have a right to appear at the hearing
homes. That morning I called the local title company on my way into the office, and was
and to file written objections with the County Commission within 20 days of this
awaiting their call back. I needed to know if the title company required two contracts for them
notice. If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the County Commis-
to close, or if one document stating both parties intentions was adequate. When the two
sion with respect to any matter considered at the hearing, such person will need a
principals came to my office that morning I was thinking that the two contract process would
record of the proceedings and may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made,
be the best in order to insure that all disclosures were given to all parties. As they both sat
including the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be made. In
down there was a bit of confusion, and they assumed that the single document was all that
accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing a special
was needed. Before concentrating on their items, I found myself first concentrating on the
accommodation or an interpreter to participate in this proceeding should contact
required state disclosers in order to keep everyone in compliance. Some of these items are in
the County Clerk's Office at (352) 486-5266, at least 7 days prior to the date of the
the standard contract, and I have most of the other up to date disclosures on another
hearing. Hearing impaired persons can access the foregoing telephone number by
document which includes, the right of any party to consult an attorney before signing
contacting the Florida Relay Service at 1-800-955-8770 (Voice) or 1-800-955-8771
anything, the all important Barker chemical plant discloser, the possible tax increase disclo-
(TDD).
sure, the agency disclosure, the possible lead base paint disclosure for older homes as well
The tax assessment for each parcel of property will be computed on a per
as several other required items that each party must disclosure to the other. This document
building basis based upon each parcel=s classification as improved property. The
alone is one legal page long.
estimated EMS Tax Assessment rate for Fiscal Year 2007-08 and future fiscal years
As I was preoccupied with these legal items, I must have come across as not
is $75 per building. The total annual EMS Tax Assessment revenue to be collected
attentive to their needs so before I even got to show both parties these required documents,
within Levy County is estimated to be $1,450,875.00 for Fiscal Year 2007-08.
it was decided in short order that they would complete the exchange document themselves.
Copies of the EMS Tax Assessment Apportionment and Collection Ordinance, the
I apologize to these two parties that I could not help them, and wish to explain to these sellers
Initial Rate Resolution, the Final Rate Resolution, the Preliminary Rate Resolution,
that my liability issue came into play.
and the updated EMS Tax Assessment Roll are available for inspection at the
In other words, acting as a licensed real estate professional I must complete all
office of the County Coordinator in the Levy County Courthouse located at 355
documents properly as per state mandated rules regulations etc. Later the president of the
South Court Street, Bronson, Florida.
title company called to inform me that the single document would be alright if "all parties
The tax will be collected on the ad valorem tax bill to be mailed in Novem-
trusted each other". This was not good enough for me as the licensed agent is the first to be
ber 2007, as authorized by section 197.3632, Florida Statutes. Failure to pay the tax
sued or have a complaint placed against them if any required items are missing. Well these
will cause a tax certificate to be issued against the property which may result in a
two principals seemed to be knowledgeable so I wish them the best in their transaction.
loss of title.
Maybe sometime in the future the state of Florida will make available a packet for
If you have any questions, please contact the County Coordinator's Of-
buyers, and sellers so they can be aware of all that is required so all parties stay legal. I'll see
fice at (352) 486-5218, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
you around "the campus"
Newscaster by the Numbers:
352 447-4588,352-621-4588
Fax: 352-489-0100
e-mail your news to: newscast@atlantic.net
Realty
Sally Price, Realtor
Email: pricesally@yahoo.com
CELL(352) 302-8556 OFFICE(352) 447-2526
14 Hwy 40 W. Inglis (next to the Inglis Police Dept.)
LET MY 45 YEARS ON THE NATURE COAST HELP YOU BUY OR
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BOARD OF COUNTYCOMMISSIONERS, LEVY COUNTY, FLORIDA
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