A group of state lawmakers will be at Florida Gulf Coast University tonight – to listen to homeowners concerns about property taxes.

The five-member Property Tax Reform Committee has been holding public hearings across the state since January. The intent is to listen to all sides before making any changes in how property taxes are accessed for both resident and non-resident homeowners. Committee Chair – State Senator Mike Haridopolis of Indiatlantic says so far he’s gotten an earful.

“the two primary things we’re hearing from voters thus far – one is assessments just don’t make sense, they are inconsistent across the state, let alone within communities – and the second thing we’re hearing is the fact that people basically believe government needs to go on a diet. government revenues on the local level are up 83 percent in the last five years whereas family income in that same time is only up 37 percent”

Haridopolis says the committee will make recommendations on how to more equitably distribute Florida’s property tax burden to the full legislature when it convenes in March. He says the next step in the process would likely be a constitutional amendment. Tonight’s public hearing at FGCU is from 6 to 9 in Academic Building 5 room 112 – directional signs will be posted.

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Southwest Floridians frustrated by high property taxes have a chance to vent tonight at a public hearing at Florida Gulf Coast University. FGCU is the next stop on a state-wide listening tour by five lawmakers who will make recommendations for tax reform to their colleagues when the legislature convenes next month. State Senator Mike Haridopolis chairs the Property Tax Reform Committee. He says so far, he’s heard a lot from seasonal residents – miffed because their tax burden is so much greater than year round homeowners.

“if you are a Florida resident you are protected by save our homes, that prevents an increase going up more than 3 percent in a given year, so if you see that property tax reduction this year – I think a lot of those returns would go to those non-homesteaded properties – because bottom line is when they get that reduction they are going to save invest and spend right here in Florida which helps us all”

The Public Hearing at FGCU is from 6 to 9 in Academic Building 5 room 112. Directional signs will be posted. Additional hearings are scheduled for Orlando, Melbourne, Ft. Pierce, Chiefland and Port St. Lucie.