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Karen Wonsetler, Esq. Writing Sample - Prior Report 2015 <br />&Recommendation <br />whether or not the Petitioner's ownership. and actual use of the property would qualify it for the • <br />affordable housing exemption for the 2013 tax year. Per the Property Appraiser's representative <br />and counsel, it was not satisfied with Petitioner's showing as to the criteria for ownership or use <br />as of January 1, 2013, and stand by that office's initial denial of the exemption application. <br />Although Petitioner did provide information with its application to the Property Appraiser's <br />Office and did request the Value Adjustment Board conduct a hearing on its petition in its <br />absence, Petitioner failed to put forth any evidence or testimony above and beyond a copy of the <br />current information available from the Florida Secretary of State, Division of Corporation <br />showing the relationship between Petitioner and other corporate entities. <br />The application of that portion of the statute that was not changed on July 1, 2013 yields the first <br />layer of legal issues, irrespective of any discussion or argument related to a 2013 mid. -year <br />amendment regarding ownership criteria. As such, this legal conclusion is irrespective of any <br />retroactive application as to ownership, and focuses instead upon the provisions governing <br />Section 196.195 Florida Statute, and proof as to Petitioner's eligibility as of January 1, 2013. <br />As Petitioner made no challenge to.any retroactively applied version of the law by the Property <br />Appraiser's Office and the legal analysis does not consider the retroactive application in this <br />decision, there will be no legal discussion regarding the constitutionality or unconstitutionality of <br />acts by the Florida legislature. <br />1 find that there is an unresolved question as to whether or not the non-profit partner does in fact <br />inure to the benefit of the general for profit partner. If it does inure to the benefit of the for-profit <br />partner, then the ownership and use are not an appropriate basis for a claim for the exemption. <br />Petitioner made no presentation of facts or evidence which would assist in the factual and legal <br />analysis. As such, the Petitioner failed to carry its burden of proof and has not affirmatively <br />shown an entitlement to the Affordable Housing exemption. When the Petitioner fails to carry <br />its burden of proof, the initial denialof the exemption by the Property Appraiser's Office is <br />upheld. <br />Accordingly, the petition is denied. <br />-16- <br />