[chickieboom]

Well there goes some of the little bit of money that taxpayers supposedly saved on the homestead exemption increase. (Don't blame me, I voted against it, as did the majority of my county).

But I guess state departments have to make up the budget loss. Got a letter today that all foster homes are going to be charged 50 dollars for a health permit by the state of florida. Went into effect April 1st. Has anyone else gotten this notice.

this is a new fee. The first money I think I have been outright asked to pay in order to provide foster care. Thanks Governor Crist!

[Sam-N-Tony]

WHAT???? I haven't heard that but that's ridiculous for them to charge US for doing our part. I too voted against it. Not to get too political but I don't think that people who voted for it realized the damages that it would cause. Yes you get cheaper taxes for the time being only, they will end up in the same position in 9 years as with Save Our Homes, and we could've had better schools, better Police/Health/Emergency in the mean time.

I didn't vote Christ in either but what are we going to do....

[hkolln]

I didn't get a letter either...I wonder why I didn't receive one? I too voted against it cause I knew they would have to come up with the money somewhere else...duh. So, we are paying them when we are doing it for them! We should all protest...

[shutterbugette]

I too have not received that letter, then again way over here they tend to forget we are part of Florida anyway.

I too voted against that Homestead act. What happened to Gov. Christ being pro-foster care and foster families???

Hmmm. Very disappointing.

[AmahMama]

Maybe it's county by county? It's a County Health Department isn't it? It doesn't matter who voted what - or did or didn't vote, it's ridiculous to charge us for permission to provide care!!! We already have to shell out for the recerts of fire extinguishers and radon tests. I got my inspection done end of March for this year - and I haven't seen a letter either.

I'm to the point of thinking that maybe the state (our district anyway) would like to do away with private foster homes and go completely with the "shelter" theme - which is horrible. Foster parents in our district are really not treated very nicely except by the dcm's. The Agency that has our district is really sideways!

[chickieboom]

Looked over my letter again which does indicate that it is only for DUVAL Co. foster homes. It was on Florida Department of Health Letterhead, and since we are really licensed by the state of Florida I assumed it was for all of FLorida. I don't know why Duval was singled out, unless it was something our county/city council passed. If you live in Duvalyou'll be getting your letter when your renewal time approaches!