What's the difference between 90 years and forever? More than $400,000 in property taxes for a long-term renter treated as equitable owner because of decades of control over county land.

But the tenant, Berkowitz Development Group affiliate Dadeland Station Associates Ltd., contested the bill, arguing it was still a renter despite the 90-year arrangement, and therefore not liable for Miami-Dade property taxes.

The county disagreed. Bolstered by a Florida Supreme Court ruling from 2014, it issued the nearly half a million-dollar tab. Its rationale: Dadeland Station Associates enjoyed a slew of ownership privileges and responsibilities, like paying insurance dues, controlling signage, a right to mortgage parts of the premises and the freedom to sublease.