A state proposal to require many Florida homeowners to buy storm shutters faces rising criticism from residents who say such mandatory purchases will increase their property taxes by driving up the value of their homes.
Shutters are so important against hurricanes that Tallahassee lawmakers are considering a plan to require coastal homeowners to buy them before they get a building permit or a Citizens Property Insurance policy.
That's rubbing many Floridians the wrong way. They argue homeowners should not be required to buy shutters and then also pay for the resulting higher property taxes.
"It's a slap in the face to get taxed for doing something right - fortifying our homes," said Tony Kuusela, who paid about $6,200 to install three electric roll-down shutters at his Madeira Beach home. "Shouldn't there be a tax benefit for that?"