Why Property Taxes Matter in Florida

Florida's approach to local government is built on low taxes, local decision-making, and efficient services that provide strong value for residents.

Property taxes are a key part of that formula. They help fund essential services such as public safety, fire rescue, road maintenance, parks, clean water, and other critical infrastructure-all while keeping those dollars and decisions close to home.

Unlike other taxes that are collected and distributed at the state or federal level, property taxes remain in the community where they're raised. This local approach allows residents to see how their dollars are spent and to hold local governments accountable for service delivery.

What Happens If Property Taxes Go Away?

Discussions about reducing or eliminating property taxes often raise questions about how essential local services would be funded. Because property taxes account for a large share of city and county budgets, significant changes would have widespread effects.

• A shift in how services are funded.
  Property taxes currently provide steady, predictable funding for local needs. Eliminating them would create a revenue gap that would need to be filled through other means-potentially higher sales taxes, new fees, or reductions in services.
• Impacts on public safety and essential services.
  In most Florida cities, police, fire, and emergency response services make up more than half of the local budget and rely heavily on property tax revenue. Reductions in this funding could require adjustments in service levels or alternative funding sources.
• Economic and business considerations.
  Florida's consistent and predictable property tax system supports a stable business environment. Major changes could introduce uncertainty, potentially affecting infrastructure investment, small business operations, and real estate markets.
• Effects on homeowners.
  Florida's Save Our Homes amendment caps annual increases in the assessed value of homesteaded properties at 3%, helping protect residents from large, unexpected tax increases. Changes to the property tax structure could alter or eliminate this safeguard.

Protecting a Proven System

Florida's property tax framework was established by voters to ensure that communities can maintain local control, provide essential services, and uphold fiscal responsibility. It's a system designed to balance affordability with accountability.

Property taxes help fund the services residents count on every day- from clean, safe streets to responsive emergency services-and they ensure those decisions are made close to home.

By understanding how this system works and why it matters, residents can better appreciate the role property taxes play in maintaining the high quality of life that defines Florida's communities.

You can find more resources with the Florida League of Cities here.