Florida Lawmaker: Lower Gulf Coast Property Assessments, Make BP Pay

Property appraisers from three Panhandle counties and a state representative say the Legislature should allow tax appraisers to lower coastal property values immediately because of the oil spill.

Appraisers from Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties and Rep. Dave Murzin said the state should then push oil giant BP PLC to compensate the counties for their lost revenue. Otherwise, the tax burden would shift to inland property owners.

They say the Legislature should call a special session soon to deal with the oil spill crisis.

The spill began April 20 when a BP drilling rig off Louisiana exploded. Tar balls and other oil products from the spill began washing up on Panhandle beaches last weekend.