NewsBriefs

Gotta’ Clue Score?

The word on obtaining home insurance may now be as easy as checking on a report from the internet commonly called a CLUE score.

The Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) history may now be obtained on the web. The report is based on claims information by insurers through the CLUE database. The report on residential properties includes types of claims and the amount paid by insurance companies.

If the report doesn’t show any losses to a specific home for fire, flood, windstorm or other damage perspective owners can feel comfortable about pursing the purchase of the property. However, if a claim has been filed a home buyer will know to take an extra look at the property, which in many cases would be more costly to insure.

Only homeowners may obtain the report, so buyers may request the owner to purchase the report, which costs $19.50 and may be obtained from the ChoicePoint web site.

Expert Says Become a Florida Resident

A legal expert licensed to practice law in Florida is urging snowbirds to make the first step to become Florida residents to save on taxes.

Attorney Allan R. Lipman says snowbirds and others may take advantage of Florida’s protection even if they don’t live in the state year round. Lipman says people who spend a lot of time in Florida should register and vote in the sunshine state as a first step in establishing residency.

Snowbirds will save money on property taxes afforded by Florida’s Save Our Homes property tax cap, which is not offered in other states, no Florida state income taxes and the lack of the intangibles tax.

Destin Transforms into Haven for Restaurateurs

It’s become a haven for restaurant owners. Destin has seen more new restaurants open in the past several years than in its history. Dan Empson, a former Destin restaurant owner knows it well.

He remembers when only a handful of restaurants competed for business in Destin. Now there are more than 75 and the majority have opened in the last few years.

The year round population is still only around 17,800 residents causing concern the businesses won’t be able to make it through the slow winter months. "What are these restaurants going to do in this winter when all the vacationers go home?" asked Empson.