Florida Sheriffs Oppose $150,000 Property Tax Rollback as $12 Billion Local Revenue Loss Looms
Updated
Updated · Orlando Sentinel · Aug 3
Florida Sheriffs Oppose $150,000 Property Tax Rollback as $12 Billion Local Revenue Loss Looms
3 articles · Updated · Orlando Sentinel · Aug 3
Summary
Florida’s 66 elected sheriffs said Monday they are “significantly concerned” about the November ballot measure, warning it could shift budget control to Tallahassee and lengthen law-enforcement response times.
The proposal would create a $150,000 homestead exemption in 2027 and a $250,000 exemption in 2028, a path toward phasing out primary-home property taxes while saving some homeowners thousands of dollars a year.
A panel of Florida economists estimated the measure would cost cities and counties $12 billion, and sheriffs said there is no clear plan to replace revenue needed for public safety, road work and stormwater services.
Opposition is widening: the Fraternal Order of Police, Florida firefighters and fire chiefs already object, and no organized campaign has emerged to back the measure, which still needs 60% voter approval in November.