News: Current Articles
Riviera Beach OKs scaled-down plan for Ocean Mall
Posted November 10, 2007 19:03
On Thursday, November 08, 2007 The city's redevelopment board approved builder Dan Catalfumo's site plan to redevelop the Ocean Mall on Singer Island, although it has been scaled back by $230 million. The site plan was approved 4-1 Wednesday, with Councilwoman Lynne Hubbard dissenting. Hubbard wanted the board to postpone the vote until the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council could provide more feedback. The Community Redevelopment Agency hired the planning council in September to reevaluate its $2.4 billion waterfront redevelopment plan. The council presented its preliminary findings last month but won't release a final report until December. The CRA board granted approval for Ocean Mall Redevelopment to build 60,000 square feet of retail shops and restaurants on the 11-acre, city-owned site. OMRD, as the company is known, consists of Catalfumo and Boca Raton developer Norton Herrick.
The original plan, included a 28-story condominium-hotel. Opposition to the condo-hotel sparked a referendum, in which residents voted to limit the building height to five stories. By cutting the condo-hotel from 28 to five stories, the project's value dropped to $50 million. The plan approved by the CRA did not include the hotel. Catalfumo company officials plan to build a five-story hotel and to present that phase of the project in the future. The plan now goes to the city council, which also sits as the CRA board, for approval. It's expected to vote during a Dec. 5 meeting. Construction may begin as early as March and it would take about 10 months to build the shops and restaurants. The city has been working for years to get the Ocean Mall redeveloped. Built in the 1970s, the buildings are aging and need renovations. Last year, the northern portion of the mall was razed. A few tenants remain in the mall's southern section, which still attracts locals and tourists.
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The original plan, included a 28-story condominium-hotel. Opposition to the condo-hotel sparked a referendum, in which residents voted to limit the building height to five stories. By cutting the condo-hotel from 28 to five stories, the project's value dropped to $50 million. The plan approved by the CRA did not include the hotel. Catalfumo company officials plan to build a five-story hotel and to present that phase of the project in the future. The plan now goes to the city council, which also sits as the CRA board, for approval. It's expected to vote during a Dec. 5 meeting. Construction may begin as early as March and it would take about 10 months to build the shops and restaurants. The city has been working for years to get the Ocean Mall redeveloped. Built in the 1970s, the buildings are aging and need renovations. Last year, the northern portion of the mall was razed. A few tenants remain in the mall's southern section, which still attracts locals and tourists.
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Property Tax Update
Posted November 07, 2007 11:22
John Adams said, “Property is surely a right of mankind as real as liberty.” His words reflect the principles that have guided the Florida Legislature through the process of bringing property tax relief to the people of our state. The right to property is essential to the American dream, and when that right is threatened by unexpected, unbearable spikes in property taxes, relief must be provided. This week the Legislature passed a comprehensive constitutional amendment that, if approved by voters, will provide thatrelief.
One of the key provisions in our relief package allows homeowners to transfer their Save Our Homes tax benefit to a new home. This policy, called portability, will spark Florida’s economy with only a minimal impact on local government. When one family downsizes into a smaller home that better meets their needs, thanks to portability, another family can afford to move into that home. This policy eliminates the “lock-in effect,” which has prevented homeowners – often seniors or empty nesters – from moving into smaller homes as their needs or lifestyles changed. Portability gives Floridians the freedom to choose where to live and what sort of home to buy based on the needs of their families, not on a failed tax policy.
The amendment also doubles the homestead exemption, providing an additional $25,000 exemption for the value of homestead property above $50,000 (excluding school taxes). This will allow the tax benefit to keep pace with the increased price of housing; more than 94% of Florida homeowners will enjoy tax relief under the increased exemption. Once approved by the voters, this benefit will provide relief on your next tax bill.
The proposed constitutional amendment creates a new exemption from taxes on tangible personal property (TPP) of $25,000 and eliminates the need for businesses to file a return if they have less than $25,000 in tangible personal property. This change will exempt over 1 million Floridians from this tax, out of a total of 1.2 million who currently pay it. Many Floridians actually spent more money complying with related paperwork than they owed in TPP taxes. This proposed amendment will cut away that red tape.
Small business owners, second home owners, renters, and others will benefit from the fourth component of the Legislature’s tax relief plan, which places a 10% cap on assessments of non-homestead properties. Most non-homestead property owners have experienced “sticker shock” when looking at their tax bills in recent years. This cap provides predictability for all properties in Florida; no longer will property owners have to fear unexpected, large assessment spikes.
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One of the key provisions in our relief package allows homeowners to transfer their Save Our Homes tax benefit to a new home. This policy, called portability, will spark Florida’s economy with only a minimal impact on local government. When one family downsizes into a smaller home that better meets their needs, thanks to portability, another family can afford to move into that home. This policy eliminates the “lock-in effect,” which has prevented homeowners – often seniors or empty nesters – from moving into smaller homes as their needs or lifestyles changed. Portability gives Floridians the freedom to choose where to live and what sort of home to buy based on the needs of their families, not on a failed tax policy.
The amendment also doubles the homestead exemption, providing an additional $25,000 exemption for the value of homestead property above $50,000 (excluding school taxes). This will allow the tax benefit to keep pace with the increased price of housing; more than 94% of Florida homeowners will enjoy tax relief under the increased exemption. Once approved by the voters, this benefit will provide relief on your next tax bill.
The proposed constitutional amendment creates a new exemption from taxes on tangible personal property (TPP) of $25,000 and eliminates the need for businesses to file a return if they have less than $25,000 in tangible personal property. This change will exempt over 1 million Floridians from this tax, out of a total of 1.2 million who currently pay it. Many Floridians actually spent more money complying with related paperwork than they owed in TPP taxes. This proposed amendment will cut away that red tape.
Small business owners, second home owners, renters, and others will benefit from the fourth component of the Legislature’s tax relief plan, which places a 10% cap on assessments of non-homestead properties. Most non-homestead property owners have experienced “sticker shock” when looking at their tax bills in recent years. This cap provides predictability for all properties in Florida; no longer will property owners have to fear unexpected, large assessment spikes.
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Citizens to offer commercial multi-peril
Posted November 07, 2007 11:18
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Nov. 6, 2007 – The Florida Office of Insurance regulation (FOIR) announced yesterday that it approved a new multi-peril commercial non-residential insurance program for Citizens Property Insurance Corp. (Citizens), the result of a legislative change that authorized Citizens to assume the policies of the Property and Casualty Joint Underwriting Association (PCJUA).
Citizens completed two parts of a three-part plan by June: It assumed the policyholders of the PCJUA, and then it began to sell its temporary wind-only policy for businesses that are not located in the high-risk or “wind pool” area. The third part of the plan was to develop a comprehensive program that offers multi-peril property coverage for businesses throughout the state.
The new multi-peril product provides up to $2.5 million in coverage for damage from wind, fire and other perils traditionally included in a commercial property insurance policy. FOIR has approved the policy forms and rates for Citizens to proceed with its program no later than Jan. 1, 2008.
As Citizens begins selling its new commercial multi-peril policy statewide, FOIR also ordered it to stop selling its wind-only policies – business it had assumed from the PCJUA – in areas of the state outside the high-risk coastal areas. Citizens still offers wind-only coverage in the coastal “wind pool” area.
FOIR’s order (http://www.floir.com/pdf/Citizens92481-07-FO.pdf ) also approved a 15 percent rate increase for commercial wind-only policies. Effective Jan. 1, the increase will bring the cost of Citizens’ wind coverage closer to the cost of the wind portion of the coverage offered by private insurers in the rest of the state.
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Citizens completed two parts of a three-part plan by June: It assumed the policyholders of the PCJUA, and then it began to sell its temporary wind-only policy for businesses that are not located in the high-risk or “wind pool” area. The third part of the plan was to develop a comprehensive program that offers multi-peril property coverage for businesses throughout the state.
The new multi-peril product provides up to $2.5 million in coverage for damage from wind, fire and other perils traditionally included in a commercial property insurance policy. FOIR has approved the policy forms and rates for Citizens to proceed with its program no later than Jan. 1, 2008.
As Citizens begins selling its new commercial multi-peril policy statewide, FOIR also ordered it to stop selling its wind-only policies – business it had assumed from the PCJUA – in areas of the state outside the high-risk coastal areas. Citizens still offers wind-only coverage in the coastal “wind pool” area.
FOIR’s order (http://www.floir.com/pdf/Citizens92481-07-FO.pdf ) also approved a 15 percent rate increase for commercial wind-only policies. Effective Jan. 1, the increase will bring the cost of Citizens’ wind coverage closer to the cost of the wind portion of the coverage offered by private insurers in the rest of the state.
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November 2007 International Newsletter
Posted November 05, 2007 16:59
First Order of Business
Brazil BoundAs I've noted previously, I'm traveling to Brazil this month as a presenter in the "Doing Business in Florida" panel that will be featured during the Governor and Enterprise Florida's big Trade Mission to Sao Paulo.
I'm posting my presentation materials here for my readers to review.
Immigration Options For Brazilians 1MB PowerPoint
Immigration Options For Brazilians 550KB PDF Version
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18th Annual Chris Evert / Raymond James Tennis Classic
Posted November 01, 2007 21:03
The 18th Annual Chris Evert / Raymond James Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic is set for the first weekend in November.
Esurance to Sponsor Annual Saturday Night Gala
For almost two decades South Florida's own Chris Evert has brought together stars from the tennis and entertainment worlds to raise funds for very worthy causes. This year, the annual event will be held November 3 - 4 at the Delray Beach Tennis Center with the annual Gala set for Saturday, November 3 at the Boca Raton Resort and Club.
Now in its 18th year, the Chris Evert/Raymond James Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic has raised more than $15.6 million to fight drug abuse and assist neglected and abused children in Florida.
Two days of tennis action also will be played November 3 and 4 at the Delray Beach Tennis Center and will feature tennis legends and standouts Martina Navratilova, Jim Courier, Jana Novotna, Mark Philippoussis, Murphy Jensen and Bud Collins; former President George H.W. Bush; actors Scott Foley, Jon Lovitz and Maeve Quinlan; musician Gavin Rossdale, golfing great Greg Norman; newsman Stone Phillips, broadcaster Mary Carillo and other greats from the worlds of tennis and entertainment.
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Esurance to Sponsor Annual Saturday Night Gala
For almost two decades South Florida's own Chris Evert has brought together stars from the tennis and entertainment worlds to raise funds for very worthy causes. This year, the annual event will be held November 3 - 4 at the Delray Beach Tennis Center with the annual Gala set for Saturday, November 3 at the Boca Raton Resort and Club.
Now in its 18th year, the Chris Evert/Raymond James Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic has raised more than $15.6 million to fight drug abuse and assist neglected and abused children in Florida.
Two days of tennis action also will be played November 3 and 4 at the Delray Beach Tennis Center and will feature tennis legends and standouts Martina Navratilova, Jim Courier, Jana Novotna, Mark Philippoussis, Murphy Jensen and Bud Collins; former President George H.W. Bush; actors Scott Foley, Jon Lovitz and Maeve Quinlan; musician Gavin Rossdale, golfing great Greg Norman; newsman Stone Phillips, broadcaster Mary Carillo and other greats from the worlds of tennis and entertainment.
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November 2007 Palm Beach County Events
Posted October 31, 2007 22:29
Find
something to do for all ages!
Palm Beach County has events going on all year long. There is always a concert series and festivals, guided tours and nature exhibits, or greenmarket to visit.
Palm Beach County has events going on all year long. There is always a concert series and festivals, guided tours and nature exhibits, or greenmarket to visit.
Treasure Coast Mall
Posted October 15, 2007 09:36
Treasure Coast Mall in Jensen Beach expands and adds new tenants. Three national clothing chains and a new steakhouse are coming to a 25,000 square foot expansion of the Treasure Coast Mall in Jensen Beach. Construction of the project stats this week and is the first expansion in 20 years to the mall. The growing population and demand for additional is behind the expansion.
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Global Warming Symposium
Posted October 09, 2007 11:09
Jupiter High School Auditorium
October 10th, Wednesday @ 7pm in Jupiter, Florida 3 renowned scientists, Dr. Marr of Perry Institute for Marine Science, Professor Ray McCallister, and Dr. Boukerrou will discuss Global Warming Impacts. This symposium is free to the public, with an open discussion moderated by Dr. Stefan Harzen.
This truly is an unbelievable event to speak with the Executive Director of Perry. visit the web-site www.perryinstitute.org
If anyone on this planet understands Coral Reef Eco-systems and the effect they have on our coastline in Florida this doctor does.
The Perry Institute for Marine Science could utilize further community support for their mission, goto www.mygreenlicenseplate.com and order your GREEN Environmental license plate today and choose Perry for proceeds. Display your concern today for our planet.
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October 10th, Wednesday @ 7pm in Jupiter, Florida 3 renowned scientists, Dr. Marr of Perry Institute for Marine Science, Professor Ray McCallister, and Dr. Boukerrou will discuss Global Warming Impacts. This symposium is free to the public, with an open discussion moderated by Dr. Stefan Harzen.
This truly is an unbelievable event to speak with the Executive Director of Perry. visit the web-site www.perryinstitute.org
If anyone on this planet understands Coral Reef Eco-systems and the effect they have on our coastline in Florida this doctor does.
The Perry Institute for Marine Science could utilize further community support for their mission, goto www.mygreenlicenseplate.com and order your GREEN Environmental license plate today and choose Perry for proceeds. Display your concern today for our planet.
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Palm Beach Zoo's "Boo at the Zoo"!
Posted October 07, 2007 20:38
The Palm Beach Zoo will celebrate its 12th annual “Boo at the Zoo”, one of South Florida’s most popular Halloween events. The event has three components: A unique overnight adventure called “Spooky Snooze,” a special day for very young children called “Baby Boo at the Zoo,” and two days of Halloween fun and “trick-or-treating” for kids of all ages.
“Boo at the Zoo” events are as follows: The special Halloween-themed overnight “Spooky Snooze” will be held on three weekends from Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m. through Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m. Dates are October 12 - 13, 19 - 20, and 26 - 27.
“Baby Boo at the Zoo” will be held on Friday, October 26, 2007 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
“Boo at the Zoo” will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 27 and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 28.
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Martin County Tourist Development Taxes
Posted October 05, 2007 20:38
Martin County has put into action a Tourist Development Tax Rate Increase. This is relevant to residences that are rented for terms of 6 months or less. Please make note that the tax rate for Martin County has increased to 8 ½% effective immediately. If you rent out a residence in Martin County for terms shorter than 6 months please make sure that you collect and report the correct amount.
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October 2007 International Newsletter
Posted October 03, 2007 17:33
First Order of Business
Last Call for NOLAOctober 21-24 is the World Trade Centers Association General Assembly in New Orleans. This will be an excellent networking opportunity for businesses and promises to be a lot of fun, too. If you are interested in joining me, drop me a line or click here for more info.
ON THE ISSUE OF SECURITY
This month's newsletter focuses broadly on the topic of security. Security can mean many things, from financial security to national security, but it's a topic that's very much on the minds of those who notice the world growing smaller and smaller.
I'm honored this month to have a great many voices joining me in addressing topics of security, and hope that you will join in the discussion by adding your comments to the articles.
Tom Travis:
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Port St. Lucie Biotech
Posted October 03, 2007 17:24
A California-based biotech developer announced this week plans to build space for the region's burgeoning life science cluster at Tradition. The tenants could include a research foundation that would complement Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies. Mann Research Center LLC has entered into a contract with Core Communities to purchase 22 acres at the Florida Center for Innovation at Tradition.
The property is alongside the Torrey Pines headquarters under construction in western Port St. Lucie. Billionaire Alfred E. Mann founded Mann Research Center and the biotechnology research foundation that bears his name. The two organizations are not directly related. Local economic development leaders are recruiting Alfred E. Mann Foundation. If they succeed, the foundation would likely expand at Tradition, possibly within the research center. Mann Research and Core could close their deal later this year. While final site plans are being developed, the developer is expected to build a five- to six-building complex with a mixture of medical, research and development, office and retail space.
The site would be marketed to life science organizations and associated companies. Many biotech firms, particularly spin-off and ancillary companies, often do not need, nor can they afford, to own a building or campus.
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The property is alongside the Torrey Pines headquarters under construction in western Port St. Lucie. Billionaire Alfred E. Mann founded Mann Research Center and the biotechnology research foundation that bears his name. The two organizations are not directly related. Local economic development leaders are recruiting Alfred E. Mann Foundation. If they succeed, the foundation would likely expand at Tradition, possibly within the research center. Mann Research and Core could close their deal later this year. While final site plans are being developed, the developer is expected to build a five- to six-building complex with a mixture of medical, research and development, office and retail space.
The site would be marketed to life science organizations and associated companies. Many biotech firms, particularly spin-off and ancillary companies, often do not need, nor can they afford, to own a building or campus.
Read More
October 2007 Palm Beach County Events
Posted October 01, 2007 20:01
Find something to do for all ages!
Palm Beach County has events going on all year long. There is always a concert series and festivals, guided tours and nature exhibits, or greenmarket to visit.
Read More
Understanding the Florida Property Tax Amendment
Posted September 27, 2007 15:20
This video, created by the Florida Association of Realtors®, outlines and explains the reasons why a "Yes" vote in January is important to homeowners in Florida. Please take a few minutes to watch the video and we hope this will help you understand the issues better. To view the video, please follow this link or click the image to the right.
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Courtesy of The Florida Association of Realtors® - © 2007
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Vote 'Yes on 1':
Posted September 18, 2007 15:26
Florida Association of Realtors and Gov. Crist launch group supporting property tax amendment Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Gov. Charlie Crist, Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR) President Nancy Riley joined forces with other supporters Monday to launch a bi-partisan group, “Yes on 1 – Save our Homes NOW,” urging Floridians to vote for the largest tax cut in the state’s history on Jan. 29, 2008.
"Floridians have been suffering long enough, and the people of this great state now have the opportunity to lower their taxes by voting 'Yes on 1' on Jan. 29," said Gov. Crist.
FAR President Riley added, "Passage of this amendment is critical to the future of Florida. It will provide first-time homebuyers a large tax exemption. It will begin to equalize property taxes among neighbors, and it will allow the people who are the foundation of our neighborhoods - teachers, nurses, police officers and emergency first responders – to afford to live in the communities they serve."
The announcement came during a media conference Monday afternoon at the home of Veronica Greco, a Tampa resident who supports Amendment 1 and understands how important passage of the amendment is to Florida residents who need relief from high property taxes. Greco wants to sell her home of 15 years and downsize to a condo, but feels trapped due to the "lock-in" effects of the state's Save Our Homes amendment.
"This is an opportunity for homebuyers, future homebuyers and those like Mrs. Greco, who has this home for sale, but she's locked in because she can't find a buyer who can afford the taxes on this home," said State Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey. Passage of the constitutional amendment will
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A Taxing Effect
Posted September 16, 2007 22:45
The analysis is in, and it’s ponderous. A comprehensive study of Florida property tax laws – ordered by the Florida Legislature and conducted by a team of economists from the University of Florida and Florida State University – was released yesterday. Issued in three parts, the entire study has 689 pages and sometimes-challenging text. But it does study the state’s property tax problems from all angles. For example, the study finds that only 9.2 percent of Florida households would be better off keeping their Save Our Homes exemption if the proposed property tax amendment passes in January – but the authors also note that far more would opt to keep SOH under that scenario. To download the complete report or any one of the three parts, go to: Florida Legislature Economic & Demographic Research Property Tax Study.
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September 2007 International Newsletter
Posted September 09, 2007 00:21
First Order of Business
Seeing you in SeptemberI'm obliged to start off this month's newsletter with a shameless plug in the hope that you'll join me for breakfast at the Governor's Club on Friday, September 7. I'll be discussing immigration reform as part of the Leadership Business Council's Speaker Series. Check the calendar for details. I hope to see you there.
This month's newsletter is loaded with great guest commentary, and promises to be one of the finest editions yet.
What to make of "MADE IN CHINA?"
Frequent contributor Tom Watkins is back with another excellent "China Syndrome" column (below) addressing the quality control issues that are making Americans think twice about their Elmo dolls and other goods coming from China.
Meanwhile, Customs and International Trade Attorney Peter Quinter of the firm Becker & Poliakoff offers a rather different perspective on the Chinese quality issue, reminding us that, as "citizens of the world," we all have much to consider as we move into an inevitably globalized future.
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Palm Beach County September Events
Posted September 02, 2007 23:02
Armory Art Center's Summer Art Camp Exhibition: Come See What We Created
Through September 7, 2007
Gallery hours: Monday - Friday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Armory Art Center
1700 Parker Ave; West Palm Beach, FL
The Armory Art Center's summer ART camp students have been working throughout the summer creating their own masterpieces. These emerging artists explored activities in the visual arts such as drawing, painting, mixed media, sculpture, ceramics and more. Admission: Free and open to the public. 561.832.1776
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August Housing Market Update
Posted August 27, 2007 22:28
With positive economic conditions such as low mortgage interest rates and job growth continuing in Florida, statewide sales of existing single-family homes totaled 11,674 in July and were closer to activity in July 2001 and 2002 – before the housing boom years – than the July 2006 figures, when 15,378 homes sold for a 24 percent decrease in the year-to-year comparison, according to the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR).
Florida’s median sales price for existing single-family homes last month was $237,500; a year ago, it was $250,400 for a 5 percent decrease. The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less. In July 2002, the statewide median sales price for single-family homes was $141,700, for an increase of 67.6 percent over the five-year-period, according to FAR records.
In June 2007, the national median sales price for existing single-family homes was $230,300, up 0.1 percent from the previous year, according to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). In California, the statewide median resales price was $594,260 in June; in Massachusetts, it was $364,000; in Maryland, it was $325,427; and in New York, it was $250,000.
NAR’s latest market outlook calls for existing home sales to gain momentum by the end of the year, with broader improvement in sales activity in 2008. “Existing-home sales should be relatively stable over the next few months, holding in a modest range, with some pent-up demand growing from buyers who’ve been on the sidelines,” says NAR Senior Economist Lawrence Yun. While noting that sales could be temporarily affected by recent mortgage industry disruptions, Yun added that the “fundamental momentum clearly suggests stabilizing price trends in many local markets.”
©2007 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
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Florida’s median sales price for existing single-family homes last month was $237,500; a year ago, it was $250,400 for a 5 percent decrease. The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less. In July 2002, the statewide median sales price for single-family homes was $141,700, for an increase of 67.6 percent over the five-year-period, according to FAR records.
In June 2007, the national median sales price for existing single-family homes was $230,300, up 0.1 percent from the previous year, according to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). In California, the statewide median resales price was $594,260 in June; in Massachusetts, it was $364,000; in Maryland, it was $325,427; and in New York, it was $250,000.
NAR’s latest market outlook calls for existing home sales to gain momentum by the end of the year, with broader improvement in sales activity in 2008. “Existing-home sales should be relatively stable over the next few months, holding in a modest range, with some pent-up demand growing from buyers who’ve been on the sidelines,” says NAR Senior Economist Lawrence Yun. While noting that sales could be temporarily affected by recent mortgage industry disruptions, Yun added that the “fundamental momentum clearly suggests stabilizing price trends in many local markets.”
©2007 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
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New Home Owner Survey
Posted August 09, 2007 13:55
UF survey: Few Floridians think their house values will dip in five years
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Aug. 9, 2007 – Floridians are optimistic about housing prices despite the gloom pervading much of the real estate industry, a new University of Florida survey finds.
Only 5 percent of 287 Florida homeowners said they think their house values will fall during the next five years, according to the survey, which was conducted in July by UF’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research.
Eighty-two percent expected the value of their houses to rise, and 13 percent said they would remain the same. The median respondent expected a gain of 18 percent, or a little more than 3 percent a year.
UF economists said they were not surprised by the results.
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Aug. 9, 2007 – Floridians are optimistic about housing prices despite the gloom pervading much of the real estate industry, a new University of Florida survey finds.
Only 5 percent of 287 Florida homeowners said they think their house values will fall during the next five years, according to the survey, which was conducted in July by UF’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research.
Eighty-two percent expected the value of their houses to rise, and 13 percent said they would remain the same. The median respondent expected a gain of 18 percent, or a little more than 3 percent a year.
UF economists said they were not surprised by the results.
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