Position Statements 
 

The Pinellas Realtor® Organization periodically provides position statements stating the association's opinion on issues pertaining to the real estate industry and the housing sector in Pinellas County. The information contained within this document serves as a guide for lobbying and issue advocacy activities.

A credit line citing the Pinellas Realtor® Organization as the copyright holder must be included when reprinting or reproducing PRO position statements.

All policy statements are approved by the Board of Directors and remain consistent with the organization's objectives to:

• Unite those engaged in the recognized branches of the real estate profession for the purpose of exerting a beneficial influence upon the profession and related interests.
• Promote and maintain high standards of conduct in the real estate profession as expressed in the Code of Ethics of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.
• Provide a unified medium for real estate owners and those engaged in the real estate profession whereby their interests may be safeguarded and advanced.
• Further the interests of home ownership and other real property ownership. To unite those engaged in the real estate profession in this community with the FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® thereby furthering their own objectives throughout the state and nation, and obtaining the benefit and privileges of membership therein.
• Designate, for the benefit of the public, those individuals authorized to use the term “REALTOR® ” or “REALTORS® ” as licensed, prescribed and controlled by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® .

 

Affordable Housing

In order to ensure that all citizens; especially our area's workforce - have access to housing, PRO recognizes the need for the production and rehabilitation of quality, safe, and affordable housing. The County Commission is prepared to take action to address the growing crisis in Pinellas County of providing affordable housing to the area's workforce. Action could include the creation of a local Affordable Housing Trust Fund and a voluntary Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance, which is often times considered controversial by the development and real estate industry.

Amendment 4

The Pinellas Realtor® Organization understands that growth presents many challenges to Florida’s communities. Our citizens deserve smart growth policies aimed at protecting our state’s quality of life, engendering greater economic prosperity, and creating connected communities. Smart growth requires careful planning and direction combined with a clear and effective means of engaging the people’s voice. Amendment 4 seeks to place a constitutional amendment before Florida’s voters. This amendment poses a grave threat to Florida’s unique quality of life, the stability of its communities, and the prosperity of its economy. The Pinellas Realtor® Organization believes this amendment will further disenfranchise millions of Florida’s already-fatigued electorate, paralyze local governments, and cripple local businesses. For these reasons the Pinellas Realtor® Organization opposes amendment 4.

Annexation of Enclaves

While PRO supports a neighborhood's right of self-determination, the full breadth of issues presented by annexation in Pinellas County are complex and deserve our full attention.

Brownfields Redevelopment

Recognizing that brownfield sites present excellent opportunities for the economic, environmental and social enrichment of our community, PRO supports programs designed to revitalize brownfields. PRO believes that local governments, in conjunction with the state and federal government, should be committed to providing the services necessary to identify and redevelop brownfield sites, while removing the liability of innocent property owners. PRO commends the City of Clearwater for securing and maintaining a staff member who is committed specifically to providing brownfield redevelopment related services. PRO supported NAR's efforts to lobby for the enactment of the "Brownfields Revitalization and Environmental Restoration Act".

Coastal Construction Control Line

PRO supported the Barrier Islands Governmental Council's efforts to: 1) maintain the Coastal Construction Control Line in its current location, and 2). Maintain local government jurisdiction or oversight over the construction/building permitting process as it concerns the CCCL. PRO shall continue to monitor developments concerning this issue, which could impact property values and property rights of owners throughout the county’s beach communities - particularly those located along the intracoastal waterway.

Coordination/Timing of Traffic Signals

Recognizing that transportation and traffic congestion is a major public policy challenge facing Pinellas County, PRO is on record supporting a one-cent increase in the Local Option Gas Tax, if and only if the funds generated would be used specifically to coordinate the timing of traffic signalization throughout the county.

Distressed Properties

The Pinellas Realtor® Organization is opposed to any inclusion of Realtors® and property managers as a responsible party, liabilities or expenses in ordinances related to distresses properties.

Documentary Stamp Taxes

PRO supports FAR's opposition to any efforts to increase documentary stamp taxes. Such an increase will have a negative impact on closing costs, homeownership affordability, and a real estate professional's commission.

Education

Issues concerning education and school zoning are of great interest and concern to REALTORS® and their clients, especially those with children. PRO supports the end of the federal desegregation order, which has led to forced court-ordered busing over the years, and supports the granting and implementation of Unitary Status for Pinellas County Schools. PRO is committed to remaining engaged in issues concerning the new school choice/student assignment plan, and to working with Pinellas County Schools on educating Realtors® and the public about the plan. PRO encourages members: 1). To provide prospective clients who have inquiries concerning any aspect of the school choice/student assignment plan with a brochure devised by Pinellas County Schools, 2). Not to make any representations or promises to prospective clients as it concerns any aspect of the complex school choice/student assignment plan, 3). Not to interpret or explain any aspect of the school choice/student assignment plan to prospective clients, and 4). To refer prospective clients who have inquiries concerning any aspect of the school choice/student assignment plan and the impact that the plan may have on their family directly to Pinellas County Schools, Office of Unitary Status.

Enterprise Zones

PRO recognizes that enterprise zones provide excellent investment and business opportunities for Realtors® and their clients. Various financial incentives are offered to businesses and property owners located within the Enterprise Zone, all designed to encourage private investment, community revitalization and job creation. As appropriate, PRO shall work to promote Enterprise Zones as a means for economic development and investment opportunities in Pinellas County.

Florida Mutual Hurricane Fund

The Pinellas Realtor® Organization (PRO) supports the property insurance proposal as set forth by the Florida Mutual Hurricane Fund (FMHF). PRO believes that significant and immediate action must be taken to implement FMHF’s proposal. Affordability and availability of property insurance in Florida has reached a crisis status in Florida. PRO further believes that the plan as set forth by FHMF will help reduce property insurance premiums in Florida. FHMF’s plan should also reduce Floridians financial exposure as well as reduce their reliance on Citizens Property Insurance Cooperation.

Gulf Boulevard Beautification

PRO supports the Gulf Boulevard Beautification/Road Improvement Project. This project is designed to beautify and bring uniformity to the 22 mile stretch of Gulf Boulevard between the roundabout on Clearwater Beach and Pass-A-Grille. The project should have a positive impact on property values and our area's vital tourism industry. PRO’s position further states that, in regard to funding for the project, all financial options should be explored and totally exhausted, including state and federal grant opportunities, before any consideration is afforded to a property tax increase. PRO is closely monitoring current and future developments concerning this project.

Homestead Property Tax Exemption (Save our Seniors)

While PRO opposes property tax increases, the organization is concerned about the potential ramifications of providing additional homestead property tax exemptions to select citizens based on certain criteria (i.e., age, income, etc.) – such as the Save our Seniors Exemption. PRO is concerned about the displacement effect that such a tax exemption may have on the revenues and budgets of local governments, particularly during challenging budget times. The exemption may result in a tax increase being levied on all other citizens in order to make up for lost revenues.

"Hometown Democracy" (Local Versions)

PRO will be actively monitoring developments taking place in St. Pete Beach and other beach communities that attempt to take the power of making land-use and comprehensive plan changes away from elected officials and giving that authority to voters through referendum. That authority should remain vested with local elected officials.

Impact Fees

In the interest of keeping homeownership affordable, while ensuring that redevelopment in our nearly "built-out" county is encouraged, PRO is concerned about and will continue to monitor any proposed new or increased impact fees, particularly those levied on residential construction.

Inclusionary Zoning

The Pinellas Realtor® Organization considers affordable housing essential to the continued growth and progress of our communities. However, PRO is opposed to any program that mandates the inclusion of affordable housing in developments. PRO believes that mandatory inclusionary zoning puts an undue burden on developers and has the potential to stifle new development in Pinellas County. It could also jeopardize Pinellas County’s economic future. We believe that the current voluntary program that offers incentives for the inclusion of affordable housing is the most equitable, effective, and efficient method for providing affordable housing in Pinellas County.

Internet Sales Taxes

While NAR opposes the taxation of Internet access charges, PRO is concerned about the potential displacement effect on property taxes if Internet sales result in a significant decrease in state sales tax collections or revenues, as is projected. Florida, which has no state income tax and is heavily dependent upon sales tax revenues, may lose a projected $1.3-billion annually as a result of sales taxes from Internet sales not being collected. PRO is concerned that this trend could result in an increased burden on property taxes.

Land Use/Zoning

PRO will continue to monitor issues pertaining to land use codes and efforts designed to amend such codes throughout Pinellas County. Any measure deemed counterproductive to the real estate industry and/or private property rights will be opposed by PRO.

Mangrove Trimming

PRO is committed to the protection and preservation of the County’s mangroves and other precious natural resources, and is opposed to the trimming or alteration of mangroves on publicly owned or set-aside uninhabited islands. The new local mangrove trimming ordinance should recognize that Pinellas County is a waterfront community and that special considerations should be made for mangrove trimming in privately-owned conservation areas. Since the Florida Statute limits mangrove trimming in public conservation areas, it is recommended that trimming only be allowed on privately owned conservation easements. There needs to be a clear distinction that no trimming would be allowed on publicly owned lands. PRO is committed to insuring waterfront property owners their riparian right of unobstructed view of the water, and to enjoy egress, ingress, boating, bathing, and fishing rights, and is committed to the principle that riparian rights are property rights. PRO believes that the provisions of Florida Statutes Section 403.9321-9333, as incorporated into County of Pinellas Code Section 166-96 through Section 166-05, is sufficient to protect the county’s mangroves, and allows mangroves to be trimmed to a height of no less than 6 feet. No additional changes should be made to the above-cited code affecting standards of mangrove resource management unless a scientific basis for the rule or policy is established. The Board of County Commissioners is also encouraged to adopt Florida Statute Section 403.9327, “General Permits,” and direct the county’s Department of Environmental Management to follow the guidelines accordingly while developing appropriate and specific procedures designed to effect immediate implementation. The Department should develop and publish comprehensive operating procedures, as approved by the Board of County Commissioners, to implement fully and completely the above referenced Statutes and Codes without any material or substantial changes in the language and intent of the governing Florida Statute. Since many waterfront lots in Pinellas County have various shapes and widths and various mangrove configurations, the new ordinance should be drafted and interpreted so that the waterfront property owner has the option to select the most advantageous mangrove trimming option.

Periphery Plan (Downtown Clearwater)

PRO supported the City of Clearwater's Periphery Plan, which provides for mixed-use, higher-density residential downtown redevelopment. This plan is compatible with concepts associated with smart growth. The plan endeavors to substantially increase residential densities in the downtown area, while providing for a mix of residential, retail and commercial use in the area. The plan also provides zoning uniformity in over 100 acres of downtown land. The plan is a model for smart growth and should work effectively to improve downtown Clearwater.

Private Property Rights

Recognizing that protecting private property rights is the cornerstone of the real estate industry, PRO supports initiatives that are designed to protect these rights. PRO is committed to supporting the ongoing efforts of both the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) and Florida Realtors® (FR) that protect private property rights. PRO will oppose any effort to weaken Fifth Amendment rights, and will support legislation and regulatory efforts to expand these rights, which are inherent to all Americans.

Property Tax Rates

In the interest of maintaining homeownership affordability, PRO opposes increases in property tax rates. Property owners are subject to a variety of burdensome taxes and fees, and the costs associated with homeownership (particularly insurance) continue to increase. Instead of increasing property tax rates for generating revenues for various projects, services and initiatives, PRO encourages local governments to fully explore, utilize and exhaust all other potential options available for generating revenues.

Redevelopment and Growth Management

In order to mitigate problems associated with growth while maintaining the quality of life for Pinellas County's citizens, PRO supports sustainable development and "Smarter Growth", and seeks to be an integral part of helping our community meet the challenges associated with growth. PRO is also committed to being an integral part of local growth and planning decisions. Pinellas County is approximately 97% “built-out.” The future viability of our economy is substantially dependent upon the redevelopment and revitalization of aging and antiquated commercial and residential structures. As deemed appropriate, PRO will continue to make every effort to support quality, sustainable redevelopment and revitalization initiatives. Land use and growth management decisions should be made primarily by local governments, with an appropriate degree of state oversight. To combat the negative impact of sprawl, the state should provide incentives to local governments to redevelop and revitalize areas currently served by existing infrastructure. However, consistent with FAR policy, PRO opposes any increase in documentary stamp taxes, and/or an increase in property tax rates in order to fund infrastructure redevelopment projects. PRO recognizes that the viability, integrity and vibrancy of an urban downtown area is largely dependent upon a consistent flow of pedestrian traffic. Therefore, it is important for local (re)development projects/initiatives to include a substantive (high-density) residential component. PRO shall continue to monitor and remain actively involved with the St. Petersburg Vision 20/20 and the Pinellas County Vision 20/10 redevelopment initiatives.

Residential Rental Compliance Code (Clearwater)

PRO supports concepts associated with creating a safer, more livable, aesthetically pleasing and economically viable community. PRO supports efforts designed to prevent the proliferation of "slum" properties while protecting the integrity of our neighborhoods. PRO had concerns about the city of Clearwater’s proposal to extend the occupational license requirement to the rental of just one single-family home or residential unit. PRO recommends: 1). That anyone applying for an occupational license for the rental of residential property be required to complete an Informational Disclosure Form. The Form will require the accurate listing of the property owner and a local contact person. The local contact must have a physical address and telephone number in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Manatee, or Sarasota County. The Form will also include the key minimum housing and development standards that apply to rental housing; 2). An accelerated implementation of a lien on properties not in compliance with City codes. While sufficient processes for addressing violations currently exist, we share the city's frustration with the length of time it takes to bring a property into compliance.

Section 8 Homeownership Program

PRO shall continue to work with the Pinellas County Housing Authority on furthering the Section 8 Homeownership Program in Pinellas County - thereby further increasing homeownership rates in Pinellas County, particularly amongst citizens of modest financial means. PRO shall help the Housing Authority locate qualified lenders, which is one specific area of need.

Short Term Rentals

In the interest of protecting private property rights, PRO is opposed to governmental efforts to place restrictions on or prohibit short-term rental agreements. PRO believes that such rental agreements should be governed by the appropriate condominium or homeowner's association, not a governmental entity. Sign Ordinances: PRO will continue to closely monitor issues pertaining to local sign ordinances, specifically those that govern real estate signage. PRO is committed to continuing to work with local governments on ensuring that sign ordinances effectively facilitate – and not deter -- real estate business in Pinellas County.

St. Petersbug Downtown Waterfronts

PRO does not advocate the complete closure of the Albert Whitted Municipal Airport. During early 2003, PRO extended preliminary conceptual support for Mayor Baker’s 'One-Runway' Concept Plan, based upon: 1). the plan's feasibility, as determined by a consultant's study, and 2). the plan's being approved by the FAA and all other applicable governmental entities.

Tampa Bay Water Boards Long Range plan

The Pinellas Realtor® Organization supports the Tampa Bay Water Board of Directors in their ongoing effort to implement and renew the Long-Term Water Supply Plan for Pinellas County and the surrounding areas. We salute the Board's success in cutting back on groundwater pumping and increasing the use of alternative supplies like surface water and desalinated water. While PRO supports the overall water supply plan, individual projects and costs must; however, still be evaluated on an individual basis.

TBARTA

The Pinellas Realtor® Organization (PRO) considers an adequate transportation infrastructure to be of the utmost importance. PRO supports the basic concept of the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority (TBARTA). PRO believes that light rail is a critical component to the Tampa bay areas long range planning efforts. While PRO supports TBARTA’s concept, significantly more planning must go into route selection as well as the cost to the region’s tax payers.

Undergrounding of Utilities

The undergrounding of utilities is a laudable idea, that may improve the aesthetics of the community, while improving electrical service and community safety. However, PRO is concerned about the undue financial burden that any proposed ordinance that would require property owners to incur the costs associated with the undergrounding of utilities would place on those property owners. Such an ordinance was addressed in Dunedin in 2001, which was defeated unanimously by the city commission at the urging of the Greater Clearwater Association. PRO also believes that any such ordinance should be effectuated fairly and equitably with citizen choice and input. PRO believes that any proposed ordinance that would require property owners to incur costs associated with undergrounding of utilities should be brought to a public referendum for consideration of the citizens.

Unfunded Mandates

PRO is concerned about the increasing budgetary pressures being exerted on county and municipal governments resulting from certain state and federal government actions. PRO is concerned that such actions will continue to result in increased property tax rates and other increased fiscal burdens being placed on homeowners, thereby making the American Dream of Homeownership less affordable and attainable. PRO is committed to working with elected officials, government staff and various interest groups at all to reduce the fiscal pressure being placed on local governments and their citizens.

Voluntary Green Ordinance

The protection of our environment is one of the most important issues facing our communities today. Realtors® believe that our quality of life must be safeguarded by the careful balancing of housing affordability, environmental conservation, and economic progress initiatives. The Pinellas Realtor® Organization is a strong supporter of voluntary green initiatives and ordinances that will help make homes more environmentally friendly, without unreasonably raising the cost of homeownership.