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The problem: Reducing or getting rid of property taxes would eliminate dollars local governments rely on for needed services.How well will the Florida Legislature work with Gov. Ron DeSantis?FLORIDA TODAY's John Torres discusses the 2025 legislative session with reporters James Call and John Kennedy in this excerpt fro the Florida Pulse.Florida lawmakers excluded property tax cuts from the recently approved state budget and tax package.House and Senate leaders plan to study the potential impact of property tax reductions on local governments before considering further action.While a potential property tax cut...

Property taxes are not a punishment for homeownership. They are an essential investment in the community that makes homeownership worthwhile.Study eyed for Florida property tax changesExpect an economic impact study as a first step as discussions ramp up about the future of property taxes in Florida.Fox - 35 OrlandoGov. Ron DeSantis recently asked the disingenuously rhetorical question: “Do you ever own your own home?”It’s a provocative statement meant to stir resentment over property taxes as part of a larger pitch to either eliminate or drastically reduce them. But, while such...

No state has yet eliminated property taxes and in Florida they are the biggest source of dollars for 51 of 67 counties and almost half of the state’s 411 cities.With Florida lawmakers now in overtime trying to settle a state budget, the prime source of financing for many cities and counties could soon be headed for the chopping block.In whatever budget deal is decided by the Legislature, Gov. Ron DeSantis wants included some kind of commitment to rolling back property taxes – now or through a ballot question put before...

'This is a total dog and pony show. This is not anything that’s credible,' DeSantis said.House Speaker Danny Perez delivers a stunning rebuke to DeSantisThe Florida Legislature nixed the governor's special session and created their own, solely focused on immigration.Florida Governor Ron DeSantis criticized the House's late-session push for property tax cuts as ineffective.House Speaker Daniel Perez prefers sales tax cuts and formed a 37-member committee to explore property tax cut options, a move DeSantis called a "dog and pony show."The House’s push for property tax cuts will be ineffective,...

'The governor has not yet come forward with any specific answers,' House Speaker Perez said. 'If the House wanted to get this done, they would have,' a DeSantis spokesman shot back.House Speaker Danny Perez delivers a stunning rebuke to DeSantisThe Florida Legislature nixed the governor's special session and created their own, solely focused on immigration.Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez announced a select committee to review property tax cut proposals.The move follows disagreements with Governor DeSantis on property tax cuts and other issues.The committee will consider various options, including raising homestead...

Gov. Ron DeSantis says a $4 million grant is on its way to Indian River State College to help fund manufacturing training. The money, which comes from Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, will go toward the college’s new Institute for Industrial Manufacturing and Production Training. “This new institute will offer accelerated hands-on training in high demand fields,” DeSantis said at a Fort Pierce press conference. “These programs will directly support the growing needs of manufacturers in the region and prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing.” DeSantis also unveiled a...

House and Senate budget and tax cut negotiators are running out of time to reach a deal and end the legislative session on time.Local cheerleaders with Special Olympics show their skills at CapitolSpecial Olympics athletes demonstrate their cheerleading skills during Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run and ceremony at Capitol courtyard.The House and Senate disagree on tax cut plans, with differing approaches and overall amounts.The legislative session's deadline is approaching, with budget and tax cut negotiations still ongoing.One of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ main gripes with the House in his ongoing feud...

City Hall is keeping a close watch on its neighbors across the street as several bills this legislative session threaten to deplete Tallahassee's breadwinning source of revenue.Commissioners and staff are scheduled to meet for a budget hearing this week, and on the docket to discuss are five bills that could limit "the local government's ability to generate revenue to fund critical services."With Gov. Ron DeSantis focused on eliminating property taxes in the state of Florida, the City of Tallahassee could be facing a budget overhaul in the years to come,...

DeSantis wants repeal of red flag laws and supports open carryDeSantis wants repeal of red flag laws and other restrictions on Second Amendment RightsFlorida Governor Ron DeSantis has proposed a plan to eliminate the state's portion of property taxes for homeowners.DeSantis argues that tourists and non-residents should bear a larger share of the tax burden.The Florida Legislature is currently in session and must reach an agreement on the state budget before adjourning on May 2.Could Florida property taxes be a thing of the past soon? Gov. Ron DeSantis thinks so.At...