The language used to describe the proposed property tax initiative on November’s ballot needs to change.
Leon County circuit judge David Frank ruled in favor of those challenging the initiative’s current language.
In his decision, he wrote the title, “Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes,” sounds like a political slogan and doesn’t meet the state’s fair or neutral requirements. He also took issue with the summary, saying it has several components that advocate for the initiative.
But that doesn’t mean voters won’t have a chance to weigh in. Now, Florida attorney general James Uthmeier must rewrite the ballot title and language.
During a Tuesday press conference, Uthmeier declined to comment on what that process will look like, but did reaffirm his support for the amendment.
“We've had you know the strongest economic growth of any state in the country. We've got record surpluses. The state's doing well, but at the end of the day, we need to find a way to get money back into the pockets of our citizens,” he said.
The property tax ballot initiative would increase the state’s property tax exemption for primary residences from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. It would also decrease how much a property tax assessment could go up for commercial and other property from 10% to 5% and restrict how local governments can spend property tax revenue.
While the proposal has broad support from Republican state government leaders, it has been widely opposed by local elected officials who are worried the cuts would lead to local budget shortfalls and fewer public services.
The amendment needs support from at least 60% of Florida voters to pass.
