Property Tax

The prospect of Amendment 3 passing is causing quit a stir especially in small, rural governments.

When Floridians go to the polls in November to decide whether to cut themselves a break on property taxes, they may well be deciding to cut the lifeline of one of the state’s endangered species: its small towns.

From 2020 to 2024, Florida's population grew by 8.5%, from 21.6 million to 23.4 million. This is nothing new: The state's warm weather, amenities that include world-class golf courses and beaches, and lack of income tax have long attracted newcomers, so Florida often leads the U.S. in population growth. But recent data suggests that population growth may be slowing.

A property tax reduction amendment is among the items on the ballot that Florida voters will decide on this November.

The tax referendum could significantly harm rural counties, officials say.

A panel discussion will take place at the Hilton Double Tree Hotel in Fort Myers on Thursdaym July 9.

Gov. Ron DeSantis continues to put some distance between himself and a property tax measure he pushed for that is going before voters in November. DeSantis said Monday he will vote for the ballot item regarding homestead property taxes, but “what the Legislature did wasn't my proposal.”

Florida voters will decide in November whether to expand homestead exemptions, cutting county and city property taxes under a plan that’s raised questions over who exactly benefits.

Lee County is looking at a flat budget this coming year, based on preliminary property tax numbers. And, if voters approve major changes to the tax system in November, deep budget cuts may follow in future years.

Local officials say an effort by Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature to cut property taxes could be a knockout punch amid efforts by the state to erode home rule, strip power away from local governments and shift crucial community decisions up to Tallahassee.