Florida property tax reform: GOP leaders seek new legislation

Florida property tax reform: Lawmakers seek deal without governor

A House committee comprised of 37 lawmakers is considering various ideas like a $500,000 homestead exemption, protections against foreclosure for unpaid taxes and tax relief for seniors.

The committee invited the governor to present his ideas, but he declined, calling it unnecessary.

Instead, the governor has proposed a $5 billion rebate program, offering $1,000 per property. House Speaker Danny Perez, R-Miami, rejected the plan, arguing it doesn't address the root issue of high tax rates. 

"The only option that I have ruled out is simply mailing $1,000 checks from the state treasury," Perez said. "These checks do not actually lower tax rates. These checks do not solve the property tax problem." (I agree.)

The committee plans to reconvene during upcoming budget talks and will later hold a statewide listening tour.

WPTV has spoken with experts, taxpayers and local mayors on the proposal.

"Do (Florida lawmakers) want us to hold bake sales to make up the lack of funds? Should we have a garage sale?" Lake Worth Beach Mayor Betty Resch said in March. "I just don't understand where they think the money is going to come from."

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