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     Support is slipping for the so-called super homestead exemption plan, according to the latest statewide poll.  The constitutional amendment would change property tax law in Florida if voters approve.  But as Chris Casquejo tells us, the poll suggests voters aren’t sold yet.

Hear it here:  Super Homestead Exemption Support Slipping 

     On January 29th, voters must decide if they want to increase their homestead exemption by up to 75% of the first $200,000 in home value.  If they do, they will be giving up a 3% cap on future increases.  The amendment needs 60% to pass.  New poll numbers show less than half of the state’s voters are supportive. 
     Damien Filer is a consultant who helped pass the class size amendment.
     “Historically in Florida or any other state, you see a tightening, a decrease in support for amendments as they go along, Filer said.  “So if you have to meet a 60 plus one threshold you want to start at 70.  And if you’re under 50, then you’re in real trouble.”
     The poll shows nearly two-thirds of voters want more information about the property tax amendment.  That gives both supporters and opponents more than four months to get their messages across.
     Peter Brown is the assistant director of Quinnipiac University’s Polling Institute.  He says the amendment is not dead, and suggests that Governor Charlie Crist could put his 65% approval rating behind the measure.
     “He’s the obvious person,” Brown said.  “He has very good name ID.  He has very good approval ratings.  Charlie Crist is the person, one assumes, who’d be most able to change these numbers.”
     The governor says he’s planning to make a strong push and take the lead on the tax change.
     “I think it sells itself,” Crist said.  “Who doesn’t want a property tax cut in Florida?  All we have to do is frame it right.”
     Whether he can bank on his popularity to get the amendment passed, is up to voters.