Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 EscherEnigma Apr 24, 2011 15:11:47	[link] I'm really not sure how to react to this one... on one hand, kids harassing each other is a good thing to not tolerate.  On the other, he was written up for using a bad word, not teasing/bullying. Either way, the mom, much like lesbians, rocks. Oh, and I'm serious with the thread title.  With how much weird news we've gotten out of Florida the last few weeks it might be good to just lump it into one thread.
#2 ADHadh Apr 24, 2011 15:27:05	Maybe the sun shines a little too much there... I agree with the mom, he should have been written up for harrasment, not language.
#3 grehnhewe Apr 24, 2011 20:20:15	I just saw this headline by coincidence. www.aolnews.com/2011/04/24/florida-ameri...
#4 homicidal_squirrel Apr 24, 2011 21:59:38	Basically the way property taxes work is that you get taxed X% of the value of your home. The homestead exemption makes it so that the value of your home for purposes of property taxes is $50,000 lower. So if your home is worth $100,000, it is taxed as if it was only worth $50,000. If your home is worth $150,000, it is taxed as if it was only worth $100,000. This is actually pretty good for everyone here in Florida where home prices are ridiculous.  The homestead exemptions also make it so certain creditors can't force you to sell your home to pay them off. So your credit car companies can't come after your home for racking up $50,000 in credit card debt. However, the state, county and cities can come after you if you do not pay property taxes. The bank that gave you the home loan can also come after you home, and so can contractors that did work that improved your home (i.e. updated your kitchen, or roof).  Funny enough, your spouse gets some good protection for your home. I know a lawyer who had a client who was getting forclosed on by the bank for not paying. The bank claimed they owed $80,000 and the people said it was paid off. In the end, the bank ended up foreclosing on the house, but could not do anything because the home was considered the wife's homestead. the bank was able to prove a case against the husband, but the wife's homestead somehow protected them. I'm not sure about the specifics of it, but that's how I undertood it. I think there are a few other ways in which the homestead exemption protects you, but those are the ones I'm familiar with.
#5 toastedamphibian Apr 25, 2011 5:20:55	A local radio station used to have a segment titled "Germany or Florida" where they would give out a bizzare news story, and then poll callers on their best guesses for which of the two title locals the even transpired in. Was always good fun. As for homestead exemptions: Please do note that it only applies to your primary residence: If you own more than one property, or do not reside (for whatever reason) at the property you own, you do not get the exemption for the properties that you are not currently dwelling in.
#6 adun_irving Apr 25, 2011 11:40:57	We should be sending all this info to Nash of WTFIWWY. These stories are enough to keep that series going for months on end!
#7 Cpt_Micha Apr 25, 2011 15:32:42	I think he's already mentioned that he has a strong aversion to Florida already :-p