Budget discussions are underway across Central Florida as local governments prepare for a possible major shift in property tax revenue.
With the state pushing sweeping property tax reform, the city of Ocoee is crafting a contingency plan to protect its budget, and it involves revisiting how residents pay for fire services. Commissioners are voting tonight to adopt the amended and restated initial assessment resolution and set a public hearing for Aug. 18 before the final vote.
St. Cloud is holding a workshop to discuss “Property Tax Reform Impacts and City Fees" as a proposed amendment on tax reform heads to the November ballot. The workshop is at 2:30 p.m. at St. Cloud City Hall today.
The Florida House and Senate passed a tweaked version of a major proposal to cut local property taxes on Tuesday. The bill increases the current $50,000 exemption on homestead property taxes to $150,000 for 2027, and to $250,000 in 2028. The exemption will not apply to school district taxes.
You buy a home in Florida that you saw online. The site says estimated property taxes are around $4,000. But when you get your first property tax bill, the cost may be thousands of dollars more. Why? Because the sites don't factor in Florida's Save Our Homes benefit, which doesn't stay when the home is sold, according to Orange County's property appraiser.
Lawmakers will stay in Tallahassee a little longer after Gov. Ron DeSantis called a special session to pass a property tax amendment for the November ballot. The session is expected to start on Monday.
Gimmick or gamechanger? The debate over suspending the state and federal gas tax, the real issues dividing the Florida legislature as they work on a budget and new details on Governor Desantis' elusive plan to eliminate property taxes.
The Florida House voted Thursday to ask voters to eliminate all homestead property taxes. The uncertainty has local governments such as Winter Park contemplating a bleak future if the cuts become reality. Property taxes assessed on homesteaded property make up about $19 million — roughly half of the city’s annual property tax revenue — and more than 20% of total annual revenue,
In an interview with News 6, Republican candidate for Florida governor, Rep. Byron Donalds, signaled his support for ICE's immigration crackdown, criticized ICE protesters, and pushed to repeal property taxes, and more.
Property taxes will be a big issue on the election ballot in 2026. Florida House lawmakers unveiled a slate of seven potential constitutional amendments, including changes to homestead exemptions, or eliminating some residential property taxes. But Gov. Ron DeSantis is dismissing the proposals.
Gov. Ron DeSantis has made it clear — he wants sweeping changes to Florida’s property tax system. What does that mean for counties, cities, and the services they provide?
The Florida House on Thursday rolled out a series of proposed constitutional amendments to cut property taxes, while looking to shield funding for schools and law enforcement. One bill would get rid of most homesteaded residential property taxes.
With a Florida House panel finishing a two-day review of property-tax issues, city and county officials defended their financial management amid Gov. Ron DeSantis’ push to ask voters next year to slash taxes on homesteaded properties.
Residents in Sanford have a chance to speak up Monday night on several resolutions that will affect their taxes and services before commissioners vote, including a proposed fire assessment fee, as well as property taxes and next year's budget.
As city leaders in Sanford consider a fire assessment fee, families have started receiving letters informing them of what’s on the table. One of the first questions many want to know: how much will I have to pay?
Florida’s Department of Government Efficiency will be in Orlando Tuesday to get access to Orange County facilities for an extensive audit of the county’s records.
On Friday, the city released a letter it received from the Florida Department of Government Efficiency, dated July 30. Orlando's mayor said the city will comply and show that it is financially responsible.
Orange County is the latest government agency to get audited by Florida’s Department of Government Efficiency. It requests DOGE access to whatever county facilities, data systems and personnel are needed to investigate a trove of information going back to 2019 on everything from contracting to personnel salaries to DEI and environment-related programs to homeless services.
The amendment, if passed, would change the way some property taxes are calculated for Florida homeowners who have a homestead exemption. The amendment needs approval from 60% of Florida voters to pass. Here's what happens if it does.
