Florida Property Tax Amendment Draws Lawsuit
The plaintiffs say the ballot language uses campaign-style phrases and could mislead voters about tax exemptions and local revenue losses.
- Two former local officials and a voter advocacy group filed a lawsuit Thursday in Leon County Circuit Court challenging the Florida property-tax amendment ballot summary as biased and misleading.
- Lawmakers recently passed the measure, drafted by Gov. Ron DeSantis' office, which seeks to increase the existing $50,000 homestead tax exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028.
- The complaint argues the ballot language is "biased" and "misleading," accusing lawmakers of using political taglines like "Save Our Homes From Excessive Property Taxes" to endorse rather than describe the proposal.
- Plaintiffs are asking a judge to declare the wording unconstitutional and order Attorney General James Uthmeier to rewrite the summary before voters see the measure on the General Election Ballot in November.
- Requiring approval from at least 60% of voters, the amendment faces criticism from local officials who warn it could negatively impact municipal budgets and essential services residents depend on.
21 Articles
21 Articles
Cutbacks, new fees among possible actions from property tax reform
Everything from paid parking at parks and no staff raises next year to office consolidation and a new one-cent sales tax are on the table as Monroe County government prepares for Florida voters to potentially approve a sweeping property tax…
Two Former Florida Mayors File Lawsuit Challenging Misleading Ballot Language On Property Tax Amendment
Two former Florida mayors and a nonprofit organization filed a lawsuit challenging a November property tax amendment that would sharply reduce homesteaded property taxes. The plaintiffs allege the ballot summary illegally advocates for the measure rather than explaining its actual impact. A House staff analysis indicates the proposed homestead exemptions could reduce local government revenues by $8.4 billion annually. The post Two Former Florida…
Florida critics raise concerns about proposed property tax changes
A proposed property tax referendum could reshape how Florida’s local governments are funded, raising concerns among policy experts about its impact on homeowners, renters, and public services. On June 10, Jeff Brandes, President of the Florida Policy Project and a former Florida State Senator, and Anders Croy, Executive Director of the Florida Watch and DeSantis Watch accountability projects, joined MidPoint to discuss the potential consequences…
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