JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A sweeping Florida property tax overhaul now headed to the November ballot is drawing growing concern from local leaders who warn it could reshape how cities and counties fund essential services like police, fire rescue and emergency response.
The constitutional amendment, approved by state lawmakers during a special session this week, would increase Florida’s homestead exemption and limit how much certain property assessments can rise each year.
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Supporters say it would deliver meaningful tax relief to homeowners facing rising property tax bills.
But critics say the proposal could significantly reduce the revenue local governments rely on to fund core services.
In Jacksonville, Firefighters Union President Kelly Dobson told News4JAX reporter Briana Brownlee and photojournalist Jesse Hanson that public safety makes up the overwhelming share of the city’s property tax-supported budget.
“Public safety here in Jacksonville between us and JSO takes up about 99% of that tax collection; that’s our budget,” Dobson said. “When you go in to pass something that not may, but will materially affect the way local governments will provide services and collect revenue to do that, then that’s a big deal.”
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan’s office said the city is closely monitoring the proposal’s potential impact on its budget.
“As it stands now, property tax revenue barely covers Jacksonville’s police and fire costs,” the mayor’s office said. “Eliminating or dramatically changing this funding source will hurt public safety efforts, as well as core services that improve quality of life and affordability.”
Mayor Donna Deegan's office.
Dobson said the concern among first responders is how cities would maintain emergency response and staffing levels if that revenue source changes.
He also pointed to what he described as a shift in the balance of authority between state and local governments, and questioned home rule.
“I would say 20 years ago, it was expected local officials were in charge of their areas. It feels like Tallahassee has crept in a little more each year and got involved in areas that typically in the past left to the local elected official,” Dobson said.
In neighboring St. Johns County, the fire union said county leaders are already discussing alternative funding sources if voters approve the amendment.
As the property tax proposal goes to the ballot in November, residents should make informed decisions and pay close attention to how funding for public safety and other county services may rely on different revenue streams. At today’s BOCC meeting, County leaders indicated they will be exploring alternative funding sources. Our focus remains on ensuring that public safety continues to have the resources it needs to protect our community and its first responders.
St. johns County Fire Union
Local governments across Northeast Florida have also raised concerns about potential impacts on services and budgets, including leaders Clay County, a Republican-dominated county, who warned in a statement that the changes could mean less funding for everyday services and fewer local choices.
Supporters of the amendment argue it would provide relief to homeowners who have seen rising property tax bills in recent years, while noting voters will ultimately decide the measure’s fate.
The proposal now heads to the November ballot and will require 60% voter approval to become part of Florida’s constitution.