Taxes
‘Non-starter:’ Florida Gov. DeSantis says no to seniors alone on property tax reform
Read full article: ‘Non-starter:’ Florida Gov. DeSantis says no to seniors alone on property tax reformDeSantis has been a vocal supporter for property tax reform. But this week, he put his foot down on providing relief to seniors alone.
President Trump signs government funding bill, ending shutdown after a record 43-day disruption
Read full article: President Trump signs government funding bill, ending shutdown after a record 43-day disruptionPresident Donald Trump signed a government funding bill Wednesday night, ending a record 43-day shutdown that caused financial stress for federal workers who went without paychecks, stranded scores of travelers at airports and generated long lines at some food banks.
How to use tourist tax dollars in Orange County generates ‘hottest’ debate
Read full article: How to use tourist tax dollars in Orange County generates ‘hottest’ debateHow should the tax revenue generated from tourists be spent in Orange County? That is a question that has been at the center of a debate for years.
SNAP shutdown stretches into second week, impacting Central Florida families
Read full article: SNAP shutdown stretches into second week, impacting Central Florida familiesAs Thanksgiving approaches, thousands of Central Florida families are bracing for the holiday with empty cupboards and little hope for relief, as the federal government’s shutdown of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits stretches into a second week, leaving many anxious and local food pantries overwhelmed.
Florida CFO lauds Orlando, criticizes Orange County over ‘wasteful spending’
Read full article: Florida CFO lauds Orlando, criticizes Orange County over ‘wasteful spending’Amid a string of critical audits across the state, Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia heaped praise on the city of Orlando for its spending habits during a Friday news conference.
News 6 sits down to interview Florida gubernatorial candidate David Jolly
Read full article: News 6 sits down to interview Florida gubernatorial candidate David JollyOrange County Mayor Jerry Demings is officially launching his campaign for Florida governor, but there is already another Democrat in the race: former Florida Congressman David Jolly.
Orlando church hosts nighttime food drive to meet growing demand amid rising costs
Read full article: Orlando church hosts nighttime food drive to meet growing demand amid rising costsWith the pause in SNAP benefits, delayed pay for some federal workers, and rising grocery prices, food pantries across Central Florida say demand for donations is surging.
IRS Direct File won’t be available next year. Here’s what that means for taxpayers
Read full article: IRS Direct File won’t be available next year. Here’s what that means for taxpayersThe Trump administration has decided not to offer the IRS' electronic tax filing system for free next year, and its future is unclear.
Local food pantries strain as SNAP benefits hang in the balance amid government shutdown
Read full article: Local food pantries strain as SNAP benefits hang in the balance amid government shutdownThirty days into the ongoing government shutdown, the looming expiration of SNAP benefits is causing growing concern across Central Florida.
Orlando TSA agents, air traffic controllers left waiting on paychecks amid government shutdown
Read full article: Orlando TSA agents, air traffic controllers left waiting on paychecks amid government shutdownAir traffic controllers and TSA agents at Orlando International Airport say they are working without pay as the government shutdown reaches 28 days.
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?
Here’s how much it cost Seminole County taxpayers to re-paint crosswalks
Read full article: Here’s how much it cost Seminole County taxpayers to re-paint crosswalksSeminole County officials spent more than $31,000 in taxpayer money painting over bright green crosswalks after the Florida Department of Transportation ordered the county to remove the high visibility pavement markings this summer, financial records obtained by News 6 reveal.
Florida CFO blasts Seminole County leaders over taxes. Here’s their response
Read full article: Florida CFO blasts Seminole County leaders over taxes. Here’s their responseEarlier this month, Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia blasted Seminole County after it approved its first property tax hike in nearly two decades.
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.
Seminole County latest target by Florida CFO, accused of overspending by $48M
Read full article: Seminole County latest target by Florida CFO, accused of overspending by $48MIn a news conference, Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia said, based on his DOGE/FAFO audit team’s methodology, the county overspent by $48,445,891.
‘He would like to have one last political victory:’ UCF professor on DeSantis, property taxes
Read full article: ‘He would like to have one last political victory:’ UCF professor on DeSantis, property taxesGov. Ron DeSantis has made it abundantly clear: if he had it his way, he would get rid of property taxes.
‘Waste, fraud and abuse:’ DeSantis slams these Florida cities over ‘excessive’ spending
Read full article: ‘Waste, fraud and abuse:’ DeSantis slams these Florida cities over ‘excessive’ spendingDuring a news conference on Wednesday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and state CFO Blaise Ingoglia highlighted certain parts of the state over what they dubbed “excessive” spending.
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.
Downtown Orlando gets new murals funded by federal grant
Read full article: Downtown Orlando gets new murals funded by federal grantSwans, oranges, and water lilies have appeared on walls around South of Downtown Orlando over the past week, as artists create three new murals funded by a federal grant awarded to six Main Street districts across the city.
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 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.
Florida lawmakers could face tight budget in 2026
Read full article: Florida lawmakers could face tight budget in 2026After a contentious legislative session this year that required overtime to hammer out a budget, Florida lawmakers could again face decisions about limiting spending during the 2026 session.
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.