(Tallahassee, FL) – Supporters with the grassroots group, “Give Me Five for Florida’s Future,” today expressed regret with the decision by the Florida Supreme Court to toss Amendment 5 off the November 2008 ballot. Amendment 5 guaranteed a dramatic cut of 25 percent to 40 percent off property owners’ tax rates, depending on where they lived. One of the primary proponents of “Give Me Five for Florida’s Future,” the Florida Association of Realtors (FAR) vowed to continue working for property tax relief.

“FAR has always been, and will continue to be, a leader in the fight for lower property taxes so all Floridians may realize the American dream of homeownership,” said Chuck Bonfiglio, the group’s president. “Today’s ruling will not deter us in continuing to support meaningful tax relief in these challenging economic times.”

The Supreme Court decision comes less than a month after Leon County Circuit Judge John C. Cooper’s ruling to take the amendment language off the Florida ballot.

“We are disappointed the people of Florida will not have an opportunity to vote for tax relief in November,” Bonfiglio added. “This is particularly troubling given the fact that TRIM notices are arriving in mailboxes across the state and sentiment grows even stronger for significant and immediate tax relief.”

FAR’s Vice President of Public Policy John Sebree today spoke with Senator Mike Haridopolos, a major opponent of Amendment 5, and pledged to work with him and others in the business community in reforming Florida’s property tax system. “The people of Florida will now be looking to their elected legislative leaders in passing major property tax reform measures,” said Sebree. “The people of Florida deserve to have their voices heard.”