Legislature Passes Budget, Property Tax Amendment
The Florida Legislature passed a $114.5 billion budget after failing to come to agreement during the regular legislative session and weeks of negotiation between the two chambers.
Florida troopers and other state law enforcement officers will see a 4% increase. Lawmakers did not approve pay increases for rank-and-file state employees. In addition to the 4% pay increase, the Legislature approved $17 million for the purchase of new patrol vehicles.
The Legislature came back into special session the following week and passed Governor DeSantis’ proposal to reduce property taxes for homesteaded Florida homeowners.
The plan passed on June 2 would allow homeowners to access a $150,000 homestead exemption beginning Jan. 1. That would increase to $250,000 the following year and increase by inflation each year after that.
The measure does not apply to ad valorem taxes collected for schools and requires local governments to use remaining property tax revenue to fund public safety, education, road construction and maintenance, natural resource projects, and other essential services.
The constitutional amendment needs 60% in favor to pass. Florida voters have indicated bipartisan support for property tax relief, with 77% saying they would vote in favor. The measure will appear on the statewide November 3 ballot.