ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – St. Augustine commissioners will hold a special meeting later this month to discuss the potential impacts of proposed property tax changes that are currently under consideration by the Florida Legislature.
According to the city, the purpose of the meeting is to discuss how the proposed legislative changes could affect municipal revenues, city services, budgeting, and local taxpayers. Commissioners will receive an overview from citystaff outlining fiscal projections and potential scenarios based on various legislative outcomes.
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The special meeting will be held on Monday, Feb. 23, at 3:30 p.m. in the Alcazar Room of City Hall, right before the regular commission meeting.
“This discussion is an important opportunity for the Commission and the public to better understand how proposedstate legislation could impact services we provide residents, businesses, and visitors,” said Mayor Nancy Sikes-Kline. “We encourage residents to attend in person or watch online if they can’t get to City Hall.”
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A contentious debate over property taxes is at the heart of this year’s legislative session, which began in early January.
House leaders are weighing several options — from cutting non-school property taxes to targeted relief for seniors — but some local governments have warned that cutting property taxes could come with consequences. For example, they fear that a big drop in revenue could affect fire and emergency services, water management and public works.
Therefore, the biggest challenge for lawmakers will be to figure out a way to cut property taxes without cutting essential city services.
Gov. Ron DeSantis has been pushing for major property tax relief, even floating a constitutional amendment on the November ballot.
DeSantis has explained that the elimination of property taxes would only apply to homesteaded properties. Second homes, investment properties and vacation rentals would continue to be taxed.
The meeting is open to the public and will be available for live viewing online or the next day on demand.