State Property Tax Overhaul Threatens Children's Services
Key Questions
What property tax changes did the Florida Legislature propose?
The Legislature passed a proposal to eliminate certain property taxes and cap local revenue growth, requiring a supermajority vote to raise millage rates. It was signed into law by Governor DeSantis via SB 4-F and HB 1329 and will appear on the November ballot.
How could the tax overhaul impact St. Lucie County's Children's Services Council?
The changes could significantly reduce funding for the council's $15.3 million budget supporting 52 programs. Projections estimate up to $5 billion in statewide local revenue losses beginning in 2027-28.
What actions are being taken against the proposed amendment?
A lawsuit has been filed challenging the ballot language, and a new campaign has launched to oppose the amendment. Governor DeSantis also introduced a property tax savings calculator to promote the measure.
What bills related to property taxes did DeSantis sign?
DeSantis signed SB 4-F and HB 1329, which aim to limit local property tax increases and improve transparency. He discussed the measures during events in Braintin and Tampa Bay.
When would the revenue impacts of the amendment begin if passed?
Local governments could face revenue losses starting in the 2027-28 fiscal year. The amendment would also require supermajority approval for future millage rate hikes.
Florida's new property-tax limits and supermajority requirement could constrain Port St. Lucie's police, fire, infrastructure, and planning budgets. Amendment 3, the contested proposal to eliminate property taxes, remains under court challenge, with potentially severe consequences for the St. Lucie County Children's Services Council and other local programs beginning in 2027-28.