Download this newsletter as a PDF
View News & Notes Archive
News & Notes
Update from Tallahassee
As you know, Florida citizens will head to the polls on Jan. 29, 2008 to decide the fate of Florida's property tax system. While the precise impacts of the constitutional amendment are not fully known, voters are being asked to make a critical decision that could profoundly undermine home rule in every county across the state. This is more than just a measure promoted as one to cap property taxes, but one that hinders our ability to make decisions affecting our communities.
The state is facing a deficit of $1.5 billion. This will result in additional legislative cuts, which will likely affect many of the services we provide to our constituents. There is nothing more important than the quality of life that we feel a responsibility to provide to our residents.
We are very sensitive to your concerns that all of Florida's counties -- individually and as a group -- have a smart, strong and honest set of unified messages and answers about these important issues and the many questions that you and our citizens have about them. That is why the Florida Association of Counties has made it an urgent priority to research, prepare and provide you with a related set of tools to meet the difficult challenges arising out of these issues.
Since the passage of SJR4, we have listened to your concerns. We have been keeping up with many of your counties and have seen the impacts HB1 is having on your services. We know these impacts will only be compounded by SJR4.
As a result, we have been in active discussions with many groups that share our concern about this amendment's assault on home rule. In fact, we understand some groups aim to form a coalition to educate members and the public on the importance of home rule and how cuts to services will affect our residents, businesses and counties. We hope to partner with these state leaders and utilize their combined powers to amplify the message that home rule must remain right where it is - at home, with local community leaders.
During the coming weeks, we will keep you informed of the coalition's plans. We will provide you with the tools necessary to deliver a clear, effective message in a thoughtful way to your residents. Furthermore, we will be on the web so citizens can obtain information about the impacts of HB1B and SJR4 on their quality of life.
The Florida Association of Counties' mission is "to preserve and promote democratic principles by working to keep appropriate authority at the level of government closest to the people…" The proposed constitutional amendment is a direct attack on the ability of Florida's citizens to make and keep decisions in the hands of their community leaders. If the constitutional amendment were to pass, local governments will find themselves stripped of local control, shifting that authority to Tallahassee.
Sarah Bleakley, FAC Special Advocate on Finance and Tax, has been working closely with many of you and/or your staff regarding HB1B and SJR4, which replace the Save Our Homes cap with a super homestead exemption and allow current homesteaders to choose between the two. Our legislative team has worked diligently to create a comprehensive legislative summary of property tax legislation, which you can read by clicking here.