We believe in the free enterprise system and oppose undue intervention by the government in the affairs of Palm Beach County businesses. We oppose taxation and governmental guidelines, regulations, rules and procedures which unnecessarily increase consumer costs and unnecessarily burden the business community.

We believe in the democratic process and actively support political candidates of high moral and ethical standards regardless of party affiliation, who strongly identify with issues important to the real estate industry and the promotion and preservation of private property rights.

We believe that the political stability and economic prosperity of Palm Beach County and the State of Florida is dependent in large measure upon the right of the individual to own real property and to exercise and enjoy the benefits of ownership. We strongly support the full and free, responsible exercise of this right, and oppose actions by governments, groups or individuals that diminish or deny it.

We believe that property ownership serves as a cornerstone of our democratic system of government and deserves a preferred place in our system of values as it contributes to community responsibility; civic, economic, business and employment stability; family security and personal well-being. As real estate professionals we know that home ownership is a primary goal of all Americans.

We believe that every individual should have the opportunity to live in safe and decent housing. These objectives can best be served by a healthy residential and commercial real estate market in an economic environment that fosters an ample supply and accessible financing provided by both domestic and international sources.

We believe in equal/fair opportunity in housing. No person should have their right to rent or purchase shelter of choice abridged because of race, color, religion, age, familial status , disabillity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or marital status or other protected classes.

We believe in and support policies that promote the healthy growth of Palm Beach County and the State of Florida’s economy through investment in structures, commercial and residential; in equipment; and in the skills of people, necessary to increase the standard of living, jobs and household income.

We believe in balancing private property rights with economic growth, improving the standard of living and the need to preserve Palm Beach County and Florida’s unique environment. We also believe in the importance of a solid infrastructure and responsible planning to support the growing population of Palm Beach County.

•The School Concurrency Plan in Palm Beach County must coincide with FAR’s position and be compliant with Florida law in order to successfully maintain and balance an adequate level of service with future growth.

• Real Estate transactions and ownership should not be unfairly burdened with taxation and costs.

• Equal housing opportunities must be available for all people.

• Immediate comprehensive insurance reform is necessary for the property owners of Palm Beach County

• Immediate comprehensive property tax reform is necessary for all property owners of Palm Beach County

• Bank holding companies and national bank financial subsidiaries should not engage in real estate brokerage and management services.

• Unnecessary increases in real estate transaction closing costs will have an adverse effect on the ability to increase home ownership.

• Due to concern for consumer protection, real estate offices must be located within an area properly zoned, including, but not limited to, developments; homeowner assocations; and other real estate resale offices in recreational or civic areas.

• Elected officials’ districts should remain in one county in order to ensure better representation.

• The formation of a Regional Transportation Authority is needed to relieve South Florida’s traffic problem and obtain additional federal funding for traffic projects.

• Non-native plant eradication must be handled on a regional or state level with the regulators shouldering private property owner’s financial burden.

• Affordable housing should be encouraged by offering developers incentives to build low-cost housing and by creating and maintaining subsidies and grants for builders and homebuyers.

• Palm Beach County does not need a countywide strong mayor.

• The 1/2 cent sales tax increase should sunset after the collection of $560 million or 2010 whichever comes first and monitored by an independent oversight committee.

• In order to attract new and expand existing Palm Beach County businesses, linkage fees should not be charged on non-residential development.

• Affordable housing resale control policies should include a mechanism to allow a homeowner at the time of sale to receive a financial benefit in proportion to the incentive originally offered.

• A comprehensive master plan for the undeveloped Everglades Agricultural Area is needed to ensure smart growth in Palm Beach County.

• The so called - Hometown Democracy Constitutional Amendment should be opposed.

• Local governments should hold the line on spending and not increase their millage rates; nor increase other local government taxes, fees or assessments to offset mandated reductions in property taxes.