Apopka to pause hirings for new positions temporarily amid budget concerns
Read full article: Apopka to pause hirings for new positions temporarily amid budget concernsThe City of Apopka is hitting pause on hiring for vacant city positions, at least for a few months, while officials review city needs and responsibilities. This also comes amid concerns about hiring and the possibility of raising property taxes. The city released a public notice about the hiring freeze on Wednesday.
Florida property tax amendment is misleading, must be rewritten, judge rules
Read full article: Florida property tax amendment is misleading, must be rewritten, judge rulesThe proposed property tax amendment that is supposed to go before voters in November is misleading, a Florida judge ruled Tuesday. The judge is ordering the Florida attorney general to rewrite the ballot measure.
Florida sheriffs, police, firefighters groups sound alarm over property tax amendment
Read full article: Florida sheriffs, police, firefighters groups sound alarm over property tax amendmentOn Monday, the Florida Sheriffs Association released a statement saying they were “significantly concerned” about Amendment 3, which if passed, would increase homestead exemptions from $50,000 to $250,000 over two years. They’re the latest in a wave of resistance against the measure, joining the Florida State Fraternal Order of Police, Florida Professional Firefighters, the Florida Fire Chiefs Association and several prominent county sheriffs in the state, who warn the tax cut could affect funding to first responder services in Florida.
Apopka’s proposed property tax rate hike leaves neighbors wondering where the money would go
Read full article: Apopka’s proposed property tax rate hike leaves neighbors wondering where the money would goAhead of a vote that could increase property tax rates in Apopka, News 6 sent city leaders five questions, including what specific services, positions or projects the additional money would fund; what could be reduced under a lower rate; and why the city continues to face a budget gap as its population and tax base grow. Monday’s decision will establish the maximum rate the city may consider through the remainder of the budget process.
Central Florida cities discuss budget against the backdrop of potential property tax reform
Read full article: Central Florida cities discuss budget against the backdrop of potential property tax reformBudget discussions are underway across Central Florida as local governments prepare for a possible major shift in property tax revenue.
Ocoee considers fire fee hike to offset potential property tax losses
Read full article: Ocoee considers fire fee hike to offset potential property tax lossesWith 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 to discuss potential impact of property tax reform as amendment heads to November ballot
Read full article: St. Cloud to discuss potential impact of property tax reform as amendment heads to November ballotSt. 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.
Florida Legislature OKs tweaked property tax amendment for November ballot
Read full article: Florida Legislature OKs tweaked property tax amendment for November ballotThe 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.
Florida homebuyers can face property tax ‘sticker shock’ after purchase. Here’s why
Read full article: Florida homebuyers can face property tax ‘sticker shock’ after purchase. Here’s whyYou 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.
DeSantis calls a Florida special session on property taxes, set for Monday
Read full article: DeSantis calls a Florida special session on property taxes, set for MondayLawmakers 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.
POLITICALLY MOTIVATED: Gas tax savings debunked, progress on Florida budget and new details on property tax relief
Read full article: POLITICALLY MOTIVATED: Gas tax savings debunked, progress on Florida budget and new details on property tax reliefGimmick 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.
Slash Reserves and Services? Annex Maitland? Winter Park Mulls Answers to Property Tax Cuts
Read full article: Slash Reserves and Services? Annex Maitland? Winter Park Mulls Answers to Property Tax CutsThe 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,
Florida GOP governor candidate Byron Donalds defends ICE, supports property tax repeal in interview
Read full article: Florida GOP governor candidate Byron Donalds defends ICE, supports property tax repeal in interviewIn 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.
As DeSantis, Florida House speaker fight over property tax reform, Senate moves deliberately
Read full article: As DeSantis, Florida House speaker fight over property tax reform, Senate moves deliberatelyProperty 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.
Florida’s property tax overhaul: Impact on schools, safety, and your county
Read full article: Florida’s property tax overhaul: Impact on schools, safety, and your countyGov. 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?
Florida House pitches property tax proposals for 2026 ballot. Read the bills
Read full article: Florida House pitches property tax proposals for 2026 ballot. Read the billsThe 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.
As Florida lawmakers consider property tax cuts, local governments defend spending
Read full article: As Florida lawmakers consider property tax cuts, local governments defend spendingWith 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.
Sanford votes against proposed fire fee; public hearing held on budget, property taxes
Read full article: Sanford votes against proposed fire fee; public hearing held on budget, property taxesResidents 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.
How much will a fire fee proposal cost Sanford taxpayers? The answer’s in your mail
Read full article: How much will a fire fee proposal cost Sanford taxpayers? The answer’s in your mailAs 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?
DOGE day in Orange County as Florida team descends for audit. Here’s what’s happening
Read full article: DOGE day in Orange County as Florida team descends for audit. Here’s what’s happeningFlorida’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.
Florida adds City of Orlando to DOGE audit list. Here’s what they’re looking for
Read full article: Florida adds City of Orlando to DOGE audit list. Here’s what they’re looking forOn 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.
Florida DOGE to audit Orange County government’s budget. Here’s what they’re looking for
Read full article: Florida DOGE to audit Orange County government’s budget. Here’s what they’re looking forOrange 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.
Here is what Florida Amendment 5, annual adjustments to homestead exemptions, means for voters
Read full article: Here is what Florida Amendment 5, annual adjustments to homestead exemptions, means for votersThe 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.