Contact:

Jeff Zipper, Vice President of Communications
407/438-1400, ext. 2314
JeffZ@far.org

Marla Martin, Communications Manager
407/438-1400, ext. 2326
MarlaM@far.org

Gov. Jeb Bush Speaks to Florida Realtors at Capitol

ORLANDO, Fla., March 10, 2004 -- TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- March 10, 2004 -- Speaking to a crowd of about 1,000 Realtors® today, Gov. Jeb Bush acknowledged the vital link between Florida's economy and the state's real estate industry. "Florida's economy is important, and Florida's Realtors play an integral role in making sure that Florida's economy remains strong," Bush said.

As members of the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR), the state's largest professional trade association with more than 100,000 members, real estate professionals from across Florida joined forces and traveled to Tallahassee for FAR's annual Great American Realtor Day. Held while the Florida Legislature is in session, the event enables Realtors to meet with their legislators to discuss how pending bills could affect Florida's families, businesses and the real estate industry.

"The explosion in homeownership benefits Florida in significant ways," said 2004 FAR President Russell Grooms. "Research shows the Florida real estate industry puts people to work, generating 1.3 million jobs that pay $24.7 billion a year in salaries. The total impact of real estate on the Florida economy is $233.9 billion per year."

During his remarks, Bush asked Realtors to support elimination of the state's intangibles tax as a tax relief measure for business and individuals.

The governor said that in his three remaining years in office, he plans to concentrate on diversifying the economy, creating high-wage jobs and continuing the state's commitment to strengthening families. He added that that he would then likely return to the real estate business in Miami, drawing hearty applause from his Realtor audience.

The Florida Association of Realtors (FAR), the voice for real estate in Florida, provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to its 100,000 members in 70 boards/associations.

© 2004 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS