DeSantis Calls Special Session on Property Taxes – Amendment Approved for Ballot; Local School Tax Referendum Added; Budget Workshop Outcomes; MWSBE Program Repealed; Leon County Implements Hiring Freeze
Key Questions
What property tax changes were approved during the special session?
Florida lawmakers approved a constitutional amendment for the November ballot that phases in a homestead exemption up to $500k, eliminating taxes for 76% of Floridians while protecting school funding. Local governments have raised concerns about potential service cuts and revenue losses.
How is Leon County responding to the expected property tax revenue loss?
Leon County has implemented a hiring freeze, travel freeze, and voluntary severance options while restructuring programs like COCA to prepare for a projected $71M loss. The commission also approved a 1-mill tax hike for schools on the November ballot.
What happened to the MWSBE program in Leon County?
The county repealed its MWSBE program due to new state law and plans to introduce a revised model. Business community reactions have been mixed amid broader state policy shifts affecting local programs.
Gov. DeSantis called a special session; Florida lawmakers approved a constitutional amendment for the November ballot phasing in homestead exemption up to $500k, eliminating taxes for 76% of Floridians, with school funding protections. Local governments worry about service cuts; Madison County warns of 20% budget loss. Leon County Commission approved a 1-mill property tax hike for schools on the November ballot, directly countering state cuts. Leon County warns of $71M loss from state tax cuts. City balancing $1.2B budget; potential $29M revenue loss over two years; fire budget cut $8.7M; TPD budget $89.4M. June 10 budget workshop resulted in 4% salary increase for all city employees, millage rate set at 4.4072, public hearings in September, projected $11.2M-$17.8M loss from property tax cuts. Debate over power shift from cities to Tallahassee, warnings about police and fire funding impacts, and state policy shifts affecting MWBE programs in Leon County. Leon County to bring back new model for MWSBE program after repeal due to state law; business community reacts. Leon County devising budget strategy with hiring freeze, travel freeze, buyout incentives, restructuring COCA. Leon County implementing hiring freeze and voluntary severance to prepare for $71M loss. New: Leon County budget workshop on June 17 discussed arts funding and potential cuts; COCA funding oversight noted. City Commission Seat 5 candidates debated tax proposal at forum.