FHBA Calls Attention to Housing Economy

Florida Home Builders Association President Robert Parrish last week joined business executives from around Florida to discuss the state of Florida’s economy as well as Amendment 5.

Headlines Highlight Housing Legislation

• Volusia lawmaker's intervention scuttles growth-limit bill
• As Scrap Metal Theft Problem Grows, New Law May Help
• Florida takes $10 million from condo trust fund
• Anti-Sprawl Push Wins Vote
• Septic analysis after years of paralysis
• Big home builders not so green, study finds
• Bulletproof housing markets get hit
• AP Interview: Paulson says worst of credit crisis may fade

Housing Facts May Spur Legislative Action

• Survey Results Reveal Residents' Growing Discontent With Life In Florida
• Brevard Outlook Better Than State
• Recession Would Hit Hard, State Economists Warn
• Official: Housing Slump To Be Worst In Lifetime
• Recession A Greater Threat In Florida
• Economy To Get Worse Before It Gets Better
• Sarasota and Manatee Report A Rise In Building Permits, But Charlotte And North Port Hit Lows

Petition Signature Ruling Deals Blow to Hometown

• Judge: Signature revocation law is constitutional
• Judge's decision deals a blow to Hometown Democracy
• Work-force-housing ordinance upheld
• Builders consolidate operations
• Foreclosures steady, but surge elsewhere : TCPalm.com
• Crist seeks money for ads
• Housing gauge drops
• Report Predicts Mortgage Crisis Effects

Charlotte Lowers Fees North Port Increases Them

• Charlotte lowers commercial fees
• North Port to collect new fees
• Business leaders seek impact fee help to counteract slow housing market
• Tax relief may go to the wire
• Is Fla. facing economic evolution?
• Rather than cut prices, builders mothball homes But that is not an option for some, who must continue

1,000 Friends of Florida Opposes Amendment

• Hometown Democracy Plan Spooks Landowners
• Charles Pattison: 1,000 Friends of Florida opposes amendment : TCPalm.com
• Builders group names new leader
• Property tax ballot issue divides Florida housing industry groups
• Impact fees for new developers weighed
• U.S. House Passes Wind Insurance Legislation
• Water bill overcomes Bush veto
• WCI revamp cuts 575 jobs
• Despite Economy, Highlands County Prepares For Big Growth

Groups Sound Off On Property Tax Relief

• Less opposition for new property tax amendment
• Proposal pits tax relief against cash for schools
• What portability means for you
• Real estate experts believe portability approval may help market
• New-home starts drop 47% locally
• County considers giving more control to planners to spur development
• Impact fee rollback helps whole community
• Building freeze proposed for Big Pine

Budget Cuts Could Drain Water Funding

• Water projects all washed up?
• Editorial: Down the drain 
• Here's the deal: 'Buy Now!' campaign touts area's amenities and value
• Florida House, Senate at odds as tax-cut deadline nears
• Property tax cut deal wasn't as solid as originally thought
• Setbacks Crop Up In Property Tax Reform
• Not all discourse on Florida tax plans discussed in public

Hickman Named FHBA Builder of the Year

• BuilderOfYear
• New FHBA president outlines goals
• Area home builders capture national awards
• Home sales to slip again
• Housing Slump Has Builders Desperate
• Bombs may be under 54 C. Fla. homes
• Impact fee reduction a good step
• Realtors Say Tax Relief Is 'Positive First Step'
• Crist drops plan for spending limits on local governments
• Commission Considers Break For Developers
• Fla. Speaker: Tax deal will disappoint most
• Gov. Crist signs bill reinstating PIP mandate Jan. 1

SEBC, Aurora & Excel Make State Headlines

• Homebuilders meet to guess market's future
• Builders huddle on slack sales
• Manatee-Sarasota Construction Firms Earn Aurora
• Area garners building awards
• Reducing my footprint
• Insurer will drop 50,000 policies
• Home insurers ask to raise rates
• Mixed reactions accompany property tax cut plan
• South Lake ponders fee hike
• Bonita council talks impact fee increases
• Businesses, builders decry impact fee hike
• Builder-backed study says impact fees hurting state economy
• Editorial: Times are tough for builders but fees must be maintained
• County posts big rise in impact fees in 2006
• Bemoaning the impact of impact fees
• Okaloosa skips impact fees
• Hometown Democracy needs to be quashed
• Businesses cringe at entrusting land to voters

Locals HBAs Facing Impact Fee Increases

• Milking the cash cow
• St. Cloud delays acting on parks fee
• Raise city fees, Iorio urges
• Impact fees won't help us keep up
• Can impact fees do it all?
• Home Buyers To Pay More For Schools
• Sales of existing homes fall to a 4-year low
• Florida budget may be billion short
• Naples-Marco among fastest-growing metros in U.S.
• Treasure Coast Builders Association to teach 'green'

Prepare Now: Impact Fee Avalanche Coming

• Florida governor signs property-tax relief bill
• Crist vetos 'landmark' energy bill, says it's not enough
• Impact fee increase next on county's agenda
• Area businesses will suffer because of impact fees
• County will hear findings on impact fees
• County Approves Impact Fee Hike
• Frostproof Ponders Higher Impact Fees
• Impact fee increase is approved
• HBA proposal would slash impact fees
• Commission to defer impact fee payments for commercial construction.
• Anthony Westbury: Fees could 'whack' our developers — and us
• Fort Pierce seeks more information on impact fee issue

Lawmakers Reform Property Taxes

• Property tax legislation at a glance
• Lawmakers trim local taxes, leave major reform to voters
• Legislature approves tax cuts
• Taxes could drop, but maybe not as much as you'd hoped
• HOW TAXES WOULD BE CUT
• Save Our Homes choice added at last minute
• Reality hits as counties weigh cuts
• Homeowners to decide on property tax switch

Impact Fees Rising Throughout Florida

• Poll shows voters want tax cuts but not service cuts
• City may raise impact fees
• North Port raises road fees
• Home buyers will lose
• Impact fee vote delayed as builders ask for time
• Our View: Take a rest from fee hikes

Hurricanes Hasten Costlier Insurance

• Feeling lucky yet?
• Our view: House of cards
• How much will this storm season cost you?
• Longtime homeowners want tax breaks, poll says
• Buyers waiting for tax solution, more bargains
• As sales slip, homeowners nip spending
• Economy endures stunted growth
• Builder's cuts hit home in Sarasota
• Builders to discuss housing issues with U.S. lawmakers
• Indian River County project becomes first 'green' home built by agency in Florida

Home Builders Oppose Immigration Reform Bill

• Businesses Oppose Key Immigration Reform Measures
• Some South Florida Employers Find Fault With Immigration Plan
• Martinez Tries To Preserve Bill
• House Speaker Floats Another Tax-Cut Idea
• Property Tax-Cut Talk Still Is Pretty Vague
• Democratic Leader Urges GOP To Move Faster On Property Tax
• National Insurance Fund Gains Support
• Forecasters Tell Coastal Areas To Expect Busy Hurricane Season
• Gov.'s Budget Emphasizes 'Living Within Our Means'
• New Homes Start Selling Again As Prices Are Slashed
• News & Notes: Homeowners Demanding Better Kitchens, Baths

State Legislators Near A Property Tax Accord

• Property Tax Relief Strategies Emerging, But Details Remain Before Legislative Session
• Rubio's Property-Tax Plan Fair Compromise For All
• Seniors Likely To Get A Homestead Boost
• Martinez Is Key In Immigration Reform Deal
• Immigrant Supporters Skeptical Of Plan, Concede It Provides Hope
• Citizens Business Coverage May Expand
• Gopher Tortoises Buried Alive -- Legally
• Developers Offer Goodies, Price Cuts To Move Houses
• Wall St. Awaits Inflation, Housing Data
• Housing Slump Continues In April
• Construction Permits Take Nose Dive
• Florida Leads Country In Mortgage Fraud

Legislature Confirms June Special Session

• State Lawmakers Officially Announce Special Session For Property-Tax Reform
• Taxes-Only Special Session Official
• Tangible Savings
• Building Conference Expected To Draw 18,000
• Citizens To Exclude Sinkhole Coverage
• City Explores Hiring Freeze, Other Options
• Editorial: Veto Effort To Gut Growth Management
• Home Tax Break May Double
• A License To Kill Tortoises
• New Home Sales Climb In March

Lawmakers Prepare For Special Session

• Legislators Prepare For Next Session
• Senate Passes Bill To Freeze Citizens' Rates
• Hardening Requirements Toughened In Insurance Bill
• Governor Didn't Get All That He Wanted On Nearly $72 Billion State Budget
• Bill Provides Tax Relief For Tornado Victims
• Storm Model Raises Doubts
• Hometown Democracy Initiative Would Do State Irreparable Harm
• Florida Builders Rally For Property Tax Reform

Construction Industry Rallies For Tax Relief

• Builders And Contractors Rally For Property Tax Relief
• House, Senate Remain Far Apart On Tax Relief
• Crist's Agenda Today: Crime Victims, Property Tax
• Tax-Cut Debate Turns Vicious In State Capital
• Senate Says No To Tax
• Florida House, Senate Property Tax Talks Disintegrate Into Rancor
• House, Senate Fail To Reach Accord On Sales-Tax Increase
• Senate Leaders Uneasy On Property Tax Swap

Senate Okays Version Of Property Tax Plan

• Senate OKs Its Version Of Tax Plan
• One Property Tax Cut, But House Slices It 2 Ways
• Group Heads To Tallahassee In Search Of Tax Relief
• Senate Bill Requires Hurricane Shutters On Certain Homes
• Senate Measures Face Debate Over Wetlands Protection
• AFFORDABLE HOUSING: Restore The Trust Fund
• Editorial: Keep Wetlands Protection
• Two Insurers Drop All Policyholders But Servicemen, Women
• Florida's Foreclosure Rate Eases Somewhat
• Builder's Sales On Track Despite Cancellations

Tax Uncertainty May Dampen Home Sales

• Tax Uncertainty Deals New Blow To Housing Sales 
• Property Tax Reform Still Eluding The Legislature 
• Crist: Give Citizens Legislation A Hearing 
• Control Of Growth At Issue 
• Citizens Push For Growth Controls 
• What's A Fund For? 
• 'Very Active' Hurricane Season Predicted 
• Construction Academy Allows Students To Learn Valuable Work Skills

Statewide Poll Offers Tax Reform Guidance

• Are Our Taxes Too High? Floridians Say Yes, No, Maybe
• Senate Democrats' Property Tax Plan Trims Some Save Our Homes Benefits
• Lawmakers Look At Supermajority Vote To Raise Taxes, Fees
• Bipartisan Spirit May Be Cracking Over Property Taxes In House
• House Speaker Resists Calls To Lift Cap On Housing Money
• House Panel OKs Affordable-Housing Tax Bill
• House Debates Intent Of New Insurance-Reform Bill
• Hurricane Bills Pass, Insurance Glitch Bill Stalls
• Special Session Fix Leaves Condos Broken

Counties Still Oppose House Tax Relief Plan

• Counties Still Oppose House Tax Plan
• 'Let Voters Pick How To Be Taxed,' Say State GOP Leaders
• Senate To Take Its Time On Tax Change
• Insurance Bill Fights Special Session
• Crist Says He Will 'Guarantee' Much Lower Rates For Property Insurance
• Old Homes Get Chance At Coverage
• WCTV | Floridians To Get Hurricane Mitigation Money
• Add Catastrophe Fund To Congressional Agenda
• Florida's Student Count Off By 3,500
• Hollywood Considers Trust Fund For Affordable Housing
• Home Construction Rebounds In February

Lake Worth Renounces Voter Control of Growth

• Voters Reject Supermajority For Commission
• Lake Worth Ballot Issue Draws Widespread Interest
• Catastrophe Fund Gets Thumbs Up From State Lawmakers
• Democrats' Proposal Would Sharply Raise Homestead Exemption
• Trying To Save Tax Idea, Rubio To Offer Tweaks
• Storm Shutters Seen As Insurance Fix Within Reach
• Bill Adds No-Interest Loans To Program
• Insurers Whittle Proposed Rate Drops
• State Farm Offers 7% Property Rate Cut
• Two Local Subdivisions For Sale
• Deadline Near For Builders Scholarships

Lawmakers Address Design Option Delay

• Bill Would Delay Storm Building Codes
• Businesses Face Same Burdens As Homeowners
• Expand 'Safe Home' Program, Panel Says
• Lawmaker: 1st Senate Property Tax Proposal Focuses On Assessments
• Democratic Legislator: Cut Property Taxes 30%, Raise Sales Tax 2 Cents
• New Law May Not Lower Insurance Premiums
• Push On To Slow Florida Constitutional Changes
• Panel OKs Strings On Petitions
• GOP Senator Gets Approval To Make Petitioning For Ballot Initiatives Tougher
• Counties Deny Charges They've Been Squandering Tax Revenues

House Speaker Rubio Unveils Two-Part Plan

• House Speaker Promotes Tax Plan
• Insurers Back Off Court Challenge
• State Plan Mandates Relocation Of Tortoises
• 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Slide
• Market Watch Experts: Housing Soft For 2007
• Home Sellers Advised To Get Real On Prices
• Martin To Debate Study On Clustering
• Collier Commissioners See Red Over 'Idiot' Remark, Write Letter To Senate President
• Bill Boyce, Builder Of Homes, Dies At 89
• What's So Important About A Concrete Block?
• Engineered Homes Tops $100M For 3rd Straight Year
• Home Improvement

OPERATION REBUILD Helps Tornado Victims

• Rebuilding Specialists Coming To Lake County
• Breakup Saddens Property Tax Panel
• Expert Says Rate Relief Could Cost State
• The Building Industry of Okaloosa And Walton Counties Announces 2006 Builder And Associate Of The Year
• NAHB Joins With Code Council On Green Initiative
• Bigger Homes? Nah, But Take Peek Inside
• Housing Experts Sound Off On Market
• Toll Brothers: Builder’s Revenue Expected To Drop
• Multifamily Surges In South Florida
• Three Paths To Cheaper Homes

Tornadoes Devastate Four Florida Counties

• Tornado Survivors Rejoice At Service
• Floridians Angered, Seek Answers After Policy Cancellations Despite Freeze
• Sinkhole option means policy savings
• Doubling Homestead Exemption Sounds Good But Bad Idea, Officials Say
• Plan Promotes Housing For Florida's Workers
• Developments in Florida positive
• High Impact: Fees Help Job Growth, Study Says
• Lee triples impact fees
• New road impact fees begin Thursday
• Residents brace for next wave

Governor Crist Signs Insurance Reform Bill

• Crist: 'Help Is On The Way'
• Crist Signs Insurance Bill, Takes Ceremony To People
• Lawmakers Gamble That No Hurricanes Will Hit Us
• 2 Fla. Lawmakers Quit House Chairmanships After Insurance Vote
• Home Sales Drop Off In '08
• How State And Region Grow More Important Than How Fast
• Officials Seek Casino Design Plans, Inspection Reports For Collapsed Ceiling
• Could You Afford To Buy A House? Probably
• Home Builders Take Breather

FHBA Takes Message To Media and Public

• Builders Support Crist's Affordable-Housing Goals
• Builder: Crisis A 'Nuclear Issue'
• Lawmakers End 'Panhandle Exemption'   
• Lawmakers Debate How To Best Run Citizens Property Insurance
• Insurers Told: All Or None   
• Dozens Opt Not To Cover Homes
• Builders Gasp At County's Proposed Impact Fee
  Fasano: Sinkhole Plan 'A Done Deal'   
• Florida Program Has Been Boon For FLASH  
• Sebastian May Toughen Tortoise Rules

Insurance, Property Tax Most Pressing Concerns

• Homeowners Insurance Is Top Legislative Issue
• Property Insurance Standoff Brewing
• Allstate Customers To Be Shifted
• Burden Of Growth Shifting To Developers
• Crist Names Six Interim Agency Heads
• Newly Sworn-In Cabinet Is Already A Bipartisan Effort
• Affordable Housing: 'Scrap The Cap'
• Navarre Gives OK To Put Construction Skills To Work
• Storm Expert Leaves With A Last Word of Warning
• Builders Find A Better Nail To Keep Buildings Together
• New Homes Boast Energy Efficiency
• 'It's A Good Thing,' Home Builder Thinks

Crist Picks Outstanding DCA and DEP Leaders

• Crist's Picks Bring Experience  
• Affordable-Housing Grant Raises Eyebrows      
• Florida Growth Goes From Wild To Mild   
• Middle Class Getting Pushed Out    
• State Approves 8.2 Percent Rate Hike For Fla. Allstate Companies    
• Housing Downslide Weighs On Economy   
• Unsold Homes Create A Bullish Market For Consumers
• $7,000 Fee Hike Draws Criticism   
• An Unusual Year For Local Builders Group   
• Polk Building Permits Fall For the Ninth Straight Month
• Fewer Permits, More Foreclosures   
• Aging In Place

Bush’s Environmental Legacy Is a Mixed Bag

• Bush's Legacy On Environment Is Successes, Missed Opportunities
• Increased Densities, Mass Transit Protect Green Space, Experts Say
• Joel Adams With Highland Homes Is Voted This Year's Builder
• Area Lawmakers To Lead Committees
• State House Committee Assignments Set
• Local Officials Eye State Positions
• Legislator Downplays Insurance Relief
• WCTV | Tallahassee Hoping for Affordable Housing Grant
• Collier OKs First Public-Private Affordable Housing
• Affordable Housing Is Top Issue For Officials
• State Could OK Purchase Of St. Joe Land Tuesday
• Realtors: Pending Home Sales Indicate Market Stabilizing

State’s Growth Needs Long-Term Approach

• Study Says State's Growth In Need Of Long-Term Plan
• Conference To Showcase Greenblock Product
• Building Big Is Her Plan For Life
• Biz Bits Builders Association Installs New Officers
• Politicians: Don't Push For Insurance Rate Hike Now
• New CFO Sinks Her Teeth Into Insurance
• Bush's Chief Inspector To Work For Citizens
• Legislative Conference Will Cost State $10,500
• Marcus Declines GOP Request To Head State Post
• Guest Commentary: Affordable Housing Crisis: Inviting Florida In From The Stoop
• Realtor, Builder Campaign Tries To Turn Market's Tide

Crist Seeks Lower Windstorm Rates

• Crist: Lower Windstorm Rates, Not Just Smaller Hikes, Is Goal
• Southeast Nets Third In Student Competition
• Commercial Jobs May Buffer Construction Work
• Existing-Home Sales Decline 22% In State
• Rutenberg Delighting Home Buyers
• Housing Outlook For Educators Is Grim
• State: Most Schools Meeting New Class Size Requirements
• Volusia County Leaders To Revisit Growth Plans
• Porches, Garages Won't Be Taxed
• Affordable Housing A Statewide Problem
• AFFORDABLE HOUSING: Coalition is step in right direction
• Protect Your Businesses' Profit With Safety
• How To Get Top Dollar During Slowest Home Sales Season

No-Growth Group Touts Hometown Democracy

• Activist Urges Approval Of Amendment
• Homeowners Insured By Citizens Will Get A 56 Percent Rate Hike
• Special Session On Insurance Reform Appears Unlikely
• Q&A: Insiders Share Views On What's In Store For Real Estate Market
• Market Will "Coast," Realtors Told
• Land Trusts Touted For Affordable Housing
• Poll: Floridians Worried About State's Future
• Survey: Miami-Dade Businesses Unwilling To Tackle Affordable Housing Issues
• Florida School Enrollment Far Below Projection

Property Insurance Crisis Is Mission No. 1 for Crist

• Governor-Elect Says Finding Relief For Homeowners Is 'Mission One'
• Voters Say Yes To All Six Amendments
• WCTV | Tallahassee's Inclusionary Housing Ordinance Woes
• Developer And Residents At Odds Over Bald Eagles
• Bonita Planners Pass 'Fair Share' Ordinance
• Saunders: Save Our Homes Exemption Portability Forthcoming
• Florida Builder Ranks Among Fastest Growing In The Nation
• Builders Struggling Through Housing Slowdown
• Institute Builds On Legacy Of Late Construction Icon
• Modular Homes Gain Favor With Builders
• Nip And Tuck Your Home For Lasting Beauty

Floridians Most Concerned With Insurance Premiums

• Insurance Tops List Of Floridians' Concerns
• Citizen Control Is No Day At Beach
• Amendment 3 Fight Heating Up
• Developer Set To Break Ground On Evening Rose
• Tortoise Protection To Toughen
• 'Homes For Teachers' Program Now Open To Other Workers In Lee County
• Economy Beginning To Feel Housing Slump

Trade Groups Fight Insurance Premiums

• Three Trade Groups Team Up To Fight Higher Insurance Premiums
• Convention Center Says Big Shows Are Drawing More People In '06
• Designer Betsy Godfrey To Enter Housing Hall Of Fame
• Insurance Report Due In 2 Weeks
• Insurer Told To Drop Rates
• Allstate Companies To Receive Hearing On Rates
• Citizens To Drop Properties
• New-Home Prices Fall Sharply
• Jobless Rates Edge Down Across Region
• Analyst: Commercial Real Estate Market On Upswing
• County Backs Off Increasing Road Fees
• Growth Driving Impact Fee Hikes

Housing Starts See Unexpected Rise

• September Surprise: Housing Starts Rise 5.9 Percent
• Inclusionary Zoning Editorial Misguided
• FHBA Names Area Banker Its Second VP
• Property Taxes A Dominant Election Issue
• CFO Candidates Agree On Insurance As Top Concern
• Nationwide Rate Increase Gets Rejected
• Answers To Common Insurance Questions
• City Votes Down Impact Fee Increase
• Builders Express Concerns About School Capacity-Based Fees in Martin
• DeBary Approves First Impact Fees

Bush Okays Discounts On Insurance Premiums

• Bush, Cabinet Approve New Insurance Rules
• Panel Seeks Solution To High Commercial Property Rates
• Property Taxes Flip Candidates' Traditional Positions
• Recharging Florida Forever
• Save Energy, Get Tax Break
• Builders Group Seeks New Members
• Increase In Population, Impact Fees Collide
• Brevard Housing Values Soar
• Confusion Surrounds Impact Fee Cutoff Date
• Task Force Fights For Affordable Housing In Indian River County
• Land-Trust Model Offers A Solution To Affordable-Housing Needs

Impact Fees Statewide Skyrocket Dramatically

• Counties May Soon Double Impact Fees
• Debate Over Effectiveness Of Impact Fees Rages On As More Counties Sign Up
• Treasure Coast Builders Association Adds Okeechobee County
• Builders Go On Alert When Storm Looms
• Florida House To Study Housing
• Official: Florida Must Fix Housing Issues
• Insurance Discounts
• Bankers' Recommendations Address Insurance Crisis
• Builders Can't Rein In Prices For Homes
• Voters Get A Say On Land Rights
• Home Sales Increase In August

Businesses Brainstorm On Affordable Housing

• Tampa Summit Examines State's Affordable Housing Crisis
• Businesses Brainstorm On Housing Quandary
• Crist Leads Surprise Attack On Citizens' Insurance
• State Insurer May Retain Policies
• Group Says Private Insurers Key To Crisis
• Student Hone Skills By Building House
• Save Our Homes Savior Brings Initiative To Life With Nonprofit
• Board Seeks $2.8 Billion For Class-Size Construction
• Amendment Drive Seeks To Add 'Portability' To Tax Break
• Tempers Rise With Property Taxes
• Builders File Suit Against Indian River County
• School Board Agrees To Back Affordable Housing
• Home Buyers Use Tough Tactics

Citizens Okays Charge On Insurance Premiums

• Citizens OKs Extra 2.7-Percent Assessment On Homeowner Insurance
• GOP Officials Praise Crist's Running Mate
• Builders Endorse New Safety Program
• Club Aims To Provide Leaders In Construction
• Contractors Struggle To Find, Keep Skilled Workers
• Sarasota Residents Irate Over Tax Bills
• Commercial Property Owners Nervous
• Big Businesses Support Effort to Limit Power of Voters To Change State Constitution
• Conservationists Scramble For Funds To Protect Eagles
• Developer Asks For Delay In Settling Lawsuit Over Eagles' Nest Restrictions
• Construction Site Thefts Relentless On Treasure Coast
• Homebuyer Satisfaction In Decline, Study Shows

Insurance Reform Group Seeks Crisis Solutions

• Home-Strengthening Insurance Discounts Discussed By Panel
• Construction Workers Needed, Not Another Government Program
• Building Industry Asks, How Much Is Too Much?
• Impact Fees Attempt To Make 'Development Pay For Itself,' But Where Do The Numbers Come From?
• Land Trusts Help Residents Purchase Homes
• Builder Files Suit Against County Over School Impact Fee Refunds
• Pro-Growth PACs' Choices Don't Fare Well
• Crist Has Early Edge Over Davis In Governor's Race

Forgotten Coast BA Tackles Impact Fees

• Builders Association Take On Apalachicola Impact Fees
• Builders: Law Could Lead To Sprawl
• Developers, Realtors, Bash Impact Fees
• Proposals On Hurricane Insurance By Major Governor Candidates
• Insurance Reform Will Be Urgent For 2007 Legislature
• State's Business Insurer Soon To Write Windstorm Policies
• Contract Awarded to Colorado-Based Insurer Will Provide Up To $2 Million In Hurricane Coverage
• Commercial Coverage Tough To Get
• Allstate Seeking Rate Hike
• Insurers' Advice Is To Avoid Coast
• Property Tax System No Longer Equitable

Insurance Crisis May Prompt Special Session

• Building-Rule Break Stands In Panhandle
• Wind Protections Will Extend To Panhandle, Commission Favors Bush's Advice
• Let Science Guide the Rules
• Bush Plans Session On Insurance
• Insurers Cough Up Cash For Campaigns
• Rising Costs to Insure Insurers Heart of Coverage Woes
• What's Your Impact Fee IQ?
• Fla. Among Top State In Housing

Science Over Politics Best For Building Code

• Use Science, Not Politics, For Building Code
• State OKs Tortoise Relocation Policy
• Homeowners: Hurricane Prep Insurance Discounts Don't Add Up
• Hurricane Program Sees Huge Response
• Home Inspections Begin in Mitigation Program
• New Insurance Pool Launched
• Builders To See Big Insurance Rate Hikes
• Future Economic Woes May Be Blowin' In The Wind
• Save Our Homes Amendment Author Defends Tax Break
• Tax Cap Saves Homeowners $4 Billion

Affordable Housing Addressed at SEBC

• Affordability Laws Blasted, Fixes Won't Work, Officials Say
• Economist Blasts Housing Rules, 'Inclusionary Zoning' Won't Work, He Says
• Builders Address Work-Force Housing
• South Florida Builders Battle Rising Costs, Canceled Contracts, Soaring Property Taxes
• Region's Home Builders Hear Sobering News
• State Builders Bring Home Prizes: A Community in Northwest Florida and Area Firms Nab a Bevy of Aurora Awards
• North Port Home Building Hits Lowest Level Since '02
• Davis to Chair Affordable Housing Panel
• Hurricane Grants to Fortify Homes Almost Ready To Go
• Pulte Home Corp. Sues Osceola Over Impact-Fee Refunds
• Condo Conversions Turn to Reversions, Tapping Demand From Renters
• Agencies Try Improving Permit Process
• Edgewater Looks at Capping Building Heights

City Strikes Down Immigrant Law

• Avon Park Decides Against Anti-Illegal Immigrant Law
• Insurance Policy: Four Varied Views
• A Small Windstorm of Anger
• Housing Agency is ATM
• County Raises Impact Fees
• Realtors Report Existing Home Sales Down 29 Percent in Florida
• Building Industry Cutting Workers

Negron Drops Out Of State AG Race

• State Lawmaker Ends Run Against McCollum
• Johnson Riding Insurance Issue In Race For CFO
• Gov. Bush Appoints Committee To Study Property Tax Issues
• Citizens Looks at Builders Risk
• Builder Beefs Up New Home to Withstand Storms
• New Homes are Hurricane-Proof
• Union Federations Want To Bring Illegal Immigrants Into The Fold
• Impact Fees Compromise Reached
• Homebuilders Want Another Delay on Impact Fees
• School Impact Fees Cut; Builders Say Not Enough

Wind-Borne Debris Standard Upheld

• Stricter Building Standard Rejected
• Smith: State Should Cover Part of Hurricane Insurance
• Citizens Wants No Payout for Water Damage
• Insurers Seek More Profits in Rate Hikes
• Forecast for Homes is Greener
• County Cuts Schools Impact Fees
• Building Permits Down Twenty-Percent in Four-County Area
• Collier Home-Building up for First Half of Year
• Single-Family Home Permits Drop in June

Citizens’ Action Puts Our Industry in Peril

• Blown Away
• State Offering $250 Million to Help Homeowners Prepare for Hurricanes
• Florida Among Areas Most Prepared for Hurricanes
• Impact Fee Survey Results Are In
• Affordable Housing Dwindles in Palm Beach County, Study Finds
• New-Home Starts Dive in Rapidly Growing Port St. Lucie
• Dade City Considers Driving Up Builder Fee

Commission to Study Local Property Taxes

• Committee To Study Property Tax Increase
• San Diego News Brief
• Impact Fees: May Be Among State's Highest
• Board Adds Two Impact Fees
• Local Housing Market Leveling Off
• Interest Rate Hits Five-Year High

Supreme Court Rejects Excessive Regulation

• Supreme Court Tackles Wetland Protection
• What Hazards?
• Gov. Bush Signs Bill To Help Farm Owners Develop Their Land
• Martin County Triples School Impact Fees
• Water, Sewer Impact Fees To Double
• Port St. Lucie Named The Third-Fastest Growing City In Nation
• Home Builder Confidence Falls To 11-Year Low In June

Building Commission Eyes Panhandle Code

• Officials Want Stricter Codes In Panhandle
• Bill Provides Stronger Stormwater, Wetlands Protection For Panhandle
• Builders Pose Land-Use Fight
• After Impact Fee Vote, North Port Faces a $50 Million Question
• Impact Fees Pay For What Exactly?
• Commissioners Swayed To Vote For Affordable Housing Projects

Volusia Builders Say Growth Pays Its Way

• Builders' Report Says Growth More Than Pays For Itself
• Builders: New Homes Aid Economy
• Developers Cheer Rejection Of Affordable Housing Law By Lauderdale Commission
• Builders' Group Drops Impact Fee Lawsuit Against County
• San Diego Appeals Ruling Striking Down IZ

Governor Bush Signs Affordable Housing Bill

• Gov. Bush Signs $516M Affordable Housing Bill
• Cities, Builders Struggle For Affordable Housing Solution
• Affordable Housing Plans Fall Short
• Insurance Rates To See One-Percent Increase

Tampa Bay Members Help Shape Growth

• Shaping Florida's Growth: A Tribune Roundtable
• Guest Commentary: Employer-Owned Housing Could Help Solve Problem of Affordable Workforce Housing
• Attorney: City's Proposal Illegal
• Commission To Revisit Road Fees
• North Port Commissioners Explore New Options After Road Fee Dies

Impact Fees Rising Throughout Florida

• Builders To Learn About Impact Fees
• Impact Fees Will Go Through Roof
• Study Could Justify Higher Fees
• Palm Bay Elevates Impact Fees
• No Fee Deadline Delay
• School Board Recommends Impact Fee Credits

News Report Reveals Political Attack Tactics

• Report Reveals Rep. Kreegel's Campaign Also Used Attack Tactics
• Legislative Bills on Condos Seen as a Mixed Bag
• Insurance Reforms No Escape From Rising Premiums
• Analysis Finds Boom in Hispanics' Home Buying

Naples to Consider New Housing Options

• Housing package offers help, hope
• No easy answers
• What others are doing
• What is being considered?

Martin County Delays Inclusionary Initiative

• Treasure Coast Counties Working Together on Affordable Housing
• Legislators Plan to Help Citizens Reduce Debt
• Save Our Homes Portability Appears Dead for Session
• N. Port Boosts Impact Charges
• Consultant Advises City to Raise Builder Impact Fees
• Deep Impact

Housing Initiatives Take Legislative Center Stage

• Advancing Impact-Fee Bill Would Set New Guidelines for Cities, Counties to Follow
• Bills Address Findings on Impact Fees
• Bush Rejects Using Tax Surplus to Bail Out Hurricane Catastrophe Fund
• Insurance Storm Finally Gets Governor's Attention
• 'Real Ethics Reform' Fundraising Bill Advances in Senate
   
  SESSION NOTEBOOK: House Limits Power to Condemn Property

Wal-Mart Challenges Panhandle Impact Fees

• Wal-Mart To Appeal Santa Rosa County Impact Fees
• Group Targets Impact Fees
• County To Require Construction Of Affordable Housing
• Lack of Staff Could Slow Affordable-Housing Plans in Palm Beach County
• Bill Would Clear Path Toward Adding Stronger Wind-Protection Standards
• BUILDING A HOME
• Home, Senior-Friendly Home

Lawmakers Focus On Building Industry Issues

• Committee OKs Panhandle Having Tougher Hurricane Building Codes
• Grumbles Over Conservation Bill
• Lee Opposes Bush Property-Tax Cut
• Developer Urges Committee To Loosen Eminent Domain Bill
• Condo Conversions Make It Tough To Be A Renter

Two Papers Editorialize Impact Fees Increases

• Editorial: Despite pleas for more workforce housing, government plans big hikes in new-home costs
• Impact Of Higher School Fees Would Be Low For Home Buyers
• Port St. Lucie Cool To Idea Of Fee To Lure Companies
• City Has $6 Million Surplus In Permit Fees

Palmetto Plans For Inclusionary Zoning

• Palmetto Work-Force Housing Plan Altered
• Builders Warm to New Workforce Housing Proposal
• Housing Panel Focuses on Fees
• Lawmaker Proposes to Lure Teachers With Housing Money

Demand Increases For Skilled Workers

• Pained for Labor
• Downtown Housing Going Gangbusters
• Want to Retain Teachers? Keep Freebies Comin'
• Impact Fee Bid Moves Slowly
• City Needs Flexible Structure
• Group Aims to Speed Permit Process

185 Building Code Revisions Being Studied

• In Wake of Hurricanes, Changes Address Safety, Wind Speeds.
• Impact Fee Debate on Tap Tuesday
• Impact Fees Boost Still Can't Keep Up With Costs
• Costs and Benefits
• Editorial: Affordable Housing

Impact Fee Task Force To Hold Final Meetings

• Impact Fee Help May Be On Way
• Impact Fees Coming To Highlands County
• Housing Market May Cool Slightly But Not Freeze

Florida Seeking Skilled Construction Workers

• Supply and Demand
• Martin May Raise School Impact Fees
• Growth, Pay For Thyself
• Santa Rosa's Future Looking More Crowded

Construction Program To Train New Workers

• Florida Starts $6 Million Program To Train Construction Workers
• Gov. Bush Allots $6 Million To Help Train Construction Workers
• Florida reBuilds To Train Workers
• Impact Fees Under Siege
• Editorial: Impact Fee Task Force
• Double Builder Fees Face Court Test
• School Board Will Ask County To Raise Tax, Fee

Zichella Warns Against Impact Fee Speculation

• Guest Commentary
• People & Changes
• Orlando Business Journal
• Home Builders Elect President
• Builder Bandits

Osceola Won’t Appeal Reduced Impact Fee

• Appeal Unlikely In School Fee Case
• Gap Housing Workshop Set for Friday
• Building Supply Shortage Persists
• Slowdown In Housing Predicted
• Marco Reports Rash of Construction Site Burglaries

FHBA Members Take Key Leadership Roles

• Plenty To Build On
• RECOGNITIONS
• Manatee Home Builders Install Officers, Board
• Editorial: Affordable Housing

Local Group Seeks Growth Referendum

• A Surgical Approach to Controlling Growth in Sarasota
• Forum to Highlight Collier Housing Crisis
• Santa Rosa Mulls Impact Fees
• Business Briefs
• Buyers and Sellers Need to Change Their Strategies Now
• Teen Praises Help From Strangers

Collier County Plans Growth Restrictions

• Collier Looks Into Law To Restrict Growth
• Impact Fees Rise, Again
• St. Lucie Fire Board Backs $523 Impact Fee
• School Board Floats Fee For New Homes
• Builders May Pay Extra Fees
• Growth-Control Group Seeks a Shift

Impact Fees Rising Throughout Florida

• Impact Fees Under Review
• Builder Opposes New Impact Fees
• It's Time To Raise School Impact Fees
• Lower Impact Fees Won't Cure Medical Ills

Wilma, Impact Fees Grab Media’s Focus

• Building Permit Rules Relaxed for Repairs of Storm Damage
• Wilma Squeezes Labor, Supplies
• City Council Calls For Higher Impact Fees
• Clermont Considers Big Impact-Fee Hike
• School Board Hears Initial School Impact Fee Study Results
• Winter Garden Seeks To Halt Growth
• Higher Fees' Impact Seems Unintended
• Some Wary of School Deal

Sarasota Debating Inclusionary Housing

• Should Developers Build or Pay For Affordable Housing?
• Sarasota School Board Discusses Concurrency Law
• Santa Rosa Considers New Fees, Tax

Affordable Housing Tops State News

• A Model For Others
• Buyers Flee Farther For Affordable Homes
• Polk Scrabbles To Pay For Growth
• Higher Fees Are Needed

Gulf Coast Contractors Face Tough Obstacles

• Shortages Threaten Rebuilding
• Homeowners, Builders Face Formidable Obstacles
• Efforts To Slow Growth Opposed
• School Board To Appeal Ruling On Impact Fee

Florida Helping With Post-Katrina Recovery

• Home Builders Trying To Marshal Forces For Katrina Recovery
• County Takes Up 2 Hot Issues
• County's Priority Should Be Schoolchildren, Not Developers

Lee Politician Likens Pigs to Developers

• Pigs and Growth Need Control
• Growth 'Solution' Wrecks Economy
• Clash On St. Lucie Impact Fees Still Boiling
• Central Florida Builders Trail In Satisfying Buyers

Property Values May Send Taxes Higher

• Housing Boom May Cause Tax Increase
• Will Katrina Drain Labor From Area?
• Education Impact Fee Could Hit New Homes
• Schools Pay Price Of Growth
• Rate Hikes Insure That Many Will Leave Fla.

County May Use Liens To Collect Impact Fees

• St. Lucie County May Lien To Secure New-Home Fee
• Expanded Grandfather Clause May Help Ease Indian River's Impact Fees
• Housing Slowdown Could Spell Trouble
• Housing Boom May Continue After Storm, Experts Say
• U.S. Appeals Report In Lumber Dispute

FHBA Public Affairs Director Edie Ousley presents articles for leading newspapers around the state on subjects important to Florida’s housing professionals.