One of the great things about living in Southwest Florida is being able to enjoy all its wonderful surroundings. However, problems tend to arise when we humans infringe on the natural flow of things. Thankfully, most folks who live here take their responsibility to protect our environment seriously so when things start to get out of hand, they are usually corrected quickly and accordingly. To that end, there’s a new rule from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission about feeding pelicans. Simply put, “don’t do it.”

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On Monday, the IRS announced it is raising the automobile mileage rate that self employed individuals and business owners can claim on their tax returns. The agency said the standard rate it allows to calculate deductible operating costs for business vehicles will go up to 58.5 cents from the current 50.5 cents and will be available for use for the last six months of 2008.

Citing rising gas prices as having a major impact on individual and business finances, IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman said “given the increase in prices, the IRS is adjusting the standard mileage rates to better reflect the real cost of operating an automobile. He also said the agency wanted to get the new guidance early out so that businesses could prepare for doing mid-year adjustments beginning July 1st.

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While were only six weeks into the turtle nesting time (May 1 to October 31) here in Southwest Florida, the 2008 season is off to a good start. As of last weekend, there were 194 known nests on the beaches in Lee and Collier counties. That’s up from 131 at the same time last year.

In 2007, scientists only found a total of 28,500 nests on 19 surveyed beaches in Florida, down from almost 50,000 in 2006. With overall sea turtle populations down its good to see we may not have a repeat of last year. And, while many factors can influence any one particular season, this year’s start is encouraging for both scientists and nesting volunteers alike.

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Southwest Florida home buyers are back! In May, home sales rose again in the Bonita Springs, Estero and Naples markets. The move marks five straight months of gains and has continued into the month of June too. While many folks were predicting a slow down as season wound down, it just did not materialize. If anything, things are getting stronger as buyers recognize that their opportunity to grab an affordable slice of the Florida lifestyle is now.

Overall sales in Naples grew 6% in May and pending sales rose 37%. The rise in sales was led by an 18% jump in single family homes with pending sales for this category up a whopping 87%. Sales in the Bonita Springs-Estero area also saw some substantial sales increases. Overall sales were up 63% and pending sales rose 20%. Single family home sales again led the way with an 83% increase year over year and the median home price fell to $365,000.

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Under a new law signed by Governor Crist, landlords can now charge liquidated damages or an early termination fee if you break your lease. However, the new law also provides limits and rules that must be followed before a tenant may be charged. For instance, the early termination fee cannot exceed two months’ rent, and the landlord cannot require the tenant to give more than 60 days notice.

The law became effective Monday and only applies to new or renewal leases. The primary requirement is prior tenant agreement to pay the fees being part of the contract and, to collect an early termination fee; a landlord must present the tenant with a separate addendum that offers two choices. The tenant either agrees to pay the fee should he choose to move before the end of the lease period, or acknowledges that the landlord could still seek damages as provided by law.

Continue Reading Florida Now Allows Liquidated Damages for Breaking Your Lease

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