COUNTIES 

WTXL 

Florida’s rural counties showcase programs and achievements at State Capitol 

DOWNTOWN TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Rural counties in Florida got to share about their accomplishments and push for state support on the Capitol Courtyard Thursday. 

 

Florida Politics 

Jim Boyd, Will Robinson push back on Sunshine Skyway cruise port proposed in Manatee County 

The legislators said they have not received any formal proposal related to the project, but stressed that their opposition is firm. 

 

PROPERTY TAXES 

Miami Herald 

Will Floridians pay to use parks if property taxes cut? 

As lawmakers work to put a proposal on this year’s ballot to further reduce taxes on homesteaded properties, some are raising concerns about one of the potential fallouts: access to neighborhood parks. 

 

Islander News 

House advances Florida property tax cut proposal  

Proposed constitutional amendment would phase in expanded homestead exemptions as cities warn of major revenue losses 

 

Tampa Bay Times 

Property tax reform without a plan puts Florida’s small cities at risk | Column 

The Legislature must provide a credible mechanism for how local cities are supposed to fund essential services. 

 

WTXL 

Rural counties sound alarm as House advances sweeping property tax changes 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida House moved forward Thursday with one of its most aggressive property tax proposals, brushing aside sharp warnings from rural counties and cities that say the plan could hollow out local services if voters approve it in 2026. 

 

Florida Politics 

Bill to phase out homestead property taxes sent to House floor despite warnings of local impacts 

Not a single speaker from the public backed the proposal during the committee hearing. 

 

GROWTH 

Midflorida Newspaper 

Development bills get go-ahead  

TALLAHASSEE — Proposals that would allow single-family homes on some property zoned for agriculture and make it more difficult for local governments to increase impact fees started to move forward Tuesday in the Florida Senate. 

 

The Bradenton Times 

SB 840 Clears Next to Last Committee Vote 

Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse was in Tallahassee to testify in favor of the bill, which is intended to cure SB 180 

 

DOGE  

Sun Sentinel  

Palm Beach County leader wants answers about overspending claims 

Palm Beach County’s administrator is calling upon the state chief financial officer to give answers about claims that county officials overspent hundreds of millions of dollars last year.