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Tallahassee Judge Rules Florida Misused Conservation Funds

By Firm News, Land Conservation Easements

In 2014, the Florida Water and Land Conservation Initiative (Amendment 1) was passed overwhelmingly with 74.96% of the vote. Upon passage by the voters, the Florida Constitution now regulates that 33% of net revenue from the existing excise tax on documents to be dedicated to the Land Acquisition Trust Fund. This Trust Fund was developed to acquire and improve conservation easements, wildlife management areas, wetlands, forests, and more.

However, a Tallahassee circuit judge has recently ruled that the state of Florida has not been properly appropriating the funds to the Trust, issuing a summary judgment in favor of the Trust. This summary judgment gives the Trust a victory in the case without needing to go to trial.

Attorney Sean Byrne of Bach, Jacobs & Byrne, P.A. is a real property attorney with extensive experience in land conservation law, including the creation and sale of conservation easements. If you are seeking counsel regarding a land conservation easement, call (941) 906-1231 to set up a consultation.

August 17, 2018
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Florida is a Mandatory Report State for Elder Abuse

By Elder Law, Health

Florida law requires that knowledge or suspicion of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults (whether elderly or disabled) be reported. The issue of Elder Abuse is taken seriously here in Florida, where we have a high population of senior citizens. If you suspect or know of any elder abuse that is occurring, you should report it immediately to the Florida Abuse Hotline, which receives reports 24 hours a day. You can also call 1-800-962-2873 or visit https://reportabuse.com.dcf.state.fl.us and file a report online. Elder abuse is one of the most underreported crimes and, because of this, only about 800 people have been charged with elder abuse and neglect in Florida over the last five years. Of these, approximately 370 have been convicted. It is everyone’s responsibility to help end Elder Abuse and to make our world a safer place for the Senior Citizens in our lives.

November 14, 2017
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What is Unclaimed Property and how do I Claim it?

By Asset Protection Planning

Unclaimed property is the money in accounts at financial companies that has had no activity for over a year. This can include money in bank accounts, refunds, payroll checks, trust distributions, stocks and dividends. The purpose of unclaimed property laws is to protect individuals by ensuring that their money is returned to them, rather than permanently remaining in accounts at financial institutions or companies. Every state has an unclaimed property website and office. You can recover unclaimed property by following the instructions on Florida’s unclaimed properties website (https://www.fltreasurehunt.org/) and filling out the proper forms.

November 10, 2017
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