That’s what Lee County Property Appraiser Matt Caldwell said to Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson after the Mayor reeled off a list of services that will be negatively impacted if property tax reform passes.
Anderson said the tax burden will be shifted onto others and said Florida will no longer be called the free state, “it will be called the fee state.” He said police and fire will be impacted, there will likely be a sales tax increase, and Florida will have to rely more on tourism. There was very little discussion about government being able to do with less. It was more about what services the voters will want to have cut.
So far few, if any, elected officials have come out hard in favor of property tax reform. The voters will decide in November whether or not to raise the homestead exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 next year, and $250,000 the year after. In order to become law, 60% of the voters must approve.
On his way out of the mansion, Governor DeSantis has been pushing hard for property tax reform and actually wanted it abolished completely. In a special session, the state legislature came up with the current plan in time to get it on the November ballot allowing the voters to decide. DeSantis says he’ll vote for this plan but will not promote it because it’s not his plan. Over the next several months, those in favor will push local governments to make cuts. Those opposed will try to explain what voters will have to live without.
On Thursday, Caldwell and Anderson were joined on a Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce panel by Cape Coral Council member Bill Steinke and FGCO Economics Professor Victor Claar. The theme was that this was pushed down by Tallahassee, local control is being taken away from municipalities, and, if this goes through some cities and counties across the state will go bankrupt.
There was agreement from the panel that the tax burden will be shifted, not erased. Residents who rent and own a business will pay more as non-homesteaded properties face higher millage rates. They also discussed the impact to fire and police protection even though state representatives said public safety (and schools) are safe. The fact is if a Fire Department relies on ad valorem taxes, like Fort Myers Beach, they will be impacted. And, if you live in a growing city, like Cape Coral, it becomes harder to hire new police officers.
The trick for elected officials will be to educate their constituents without coming across like they are fear mongering or using scare tactics. The task for the voters is to understand what you might have to do without if this passes in November.
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Fear mongers are deliberately trying to sway this vote in the general election ! I’m voting yes for this reform because people like myself who live and work here need a break! Each city makes tons from tourism what are they doing with the surplus! I am sick of being ripped off!
The only people worried about if the amendment passes are the ones who don’t know how to budget. Enough with the fear mongering. In FMB, there are approximately 1800 homesteaded structures. If the town can misplace 3-5 million dollars from the emergency fund, then there’s obviously enough money to cover all expenses!
If the state cries poor, increase impact fees or tourism. The vacationers will still come. A big stress on all services in Florida are due to the increased population.
I guess I’m a little confused. There are approximately 10,000 residential properties on FMB with only 1,800 eligible for the homestead deduction. Obviously this percentage is different throughout the state, but with all the snowbirds, the proposed tax changes should not make the doom and gloom out come municipalities are making it out to be. Especially here on FMB where we can misplace $3 million and no one but the residents seem to care. Maybe we need this so municipalities learn how to budget the way residents have to everyday.
I’ve heard mention of the $3M “missing” from the emergency fund quite a bit lately. Does anyone know the story on this? Is this for real? Would love to get an official statement if there is one……
Yes, it’s real. It was talked about during one of the town meetings. And not sure if anyone is even looking for it!!
I hope everyone knows the “Cry me a river” guy is the Lee County property appraiser, Matt Caldwell. He can choose to screw, or do favors for any residents or municipalities he wants, and is probably relishing his newfound relevance/power in making Mayors and Council members squirm right now.
And 1,000% yes, we need better representation in Tallahassee. In fact, any voter who can’t name your state rep, probably isn’t informed enough to vote on the ballot initiative.
How are there over 10 candidates running for US19 and 6 folks for Cape Coral Mayor while Cape Coral’s state rep (who I’ve never seen in person once at any event), is running unopposed? All the power has consolidated in Tallahassee, and their decision making has been AWFUL. Pay attention Floriduh!
“Imagine If income taxes were not based on how much you made, but how much it was decided you could have made.
That’s basically how property taxes work. The assessor decides what your house is worth, then taxes you as if you paid that price or you could sell the home for that amount. “
Yes for property tax reform!
The long term trend of tax policies in Florida has been to shift the burden to non-voting snowbirds and tourists. But there are limits to that strategy when basic services like fire and police services are difficult to support. Old cliches like “you get what you pay for” and “there is no such thing as a free lunch” are ringing true. Snowbirds have been willing to shoulder much of the tax burden, as evidenced by their increasing numbers. But what will it be like to live in Florida if a decline in basic services makes other winter havens more attractive. Florida has underfunded its schools for decades without creating a decline in snowbird migration. But fire and police services are a different story. I hope the voters recognize this.
This proves one thing. We need responsible people representing us, not the clown show we currently have in the state legislature.
100%
We need responsible bot political candidates and employees with the proper attitude and background. We will never get this until “WE THE PEOPLE” get our heads out of the sand and EVALUATE and think for ourselves discounting party affiliation, party platforms and political hoopla. I constantly get crap “vote for me because I’m in bed with……” Anyone remember “OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE?”. I blame US, the voters as much as or more than the politicians
Thank you. This story is informative and important coverage of a confusing proposal.