Lawmakers forward proposal to double property tax breaks for frontline workers

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. —

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• The exemption applies to classroom teachers, law enforcement, corrections officers, firefighters, child welfare services professionals, active-duty military and national guard members.
• Average savings are estimated at $540 a year.
• 60 percent of Florida voters would have to approve.

Lawmakers are moving forward with a proposed constitutional amendment that would double property tax savings for most teachers, first responders and military members.

The joint resolution passed its second House committee Monday afternoon.

Professions that would be covered by the exemption include teachers, law enforcement, corrections officers, child welfare services providers, active-duty military, and national guard members.

“None of us joined these careers to make a lot of money. That’s not what we signed up for. We did it because we’re passionate about our country,” said US Navy First Class Petty Officer Kevin Ortega.

Ortega told us the estimated $540 in property tax savings the proposed constitutional amendment would provide each year, couldn’t come soon enough.

“Having that tax break would help for sure to kind of pick up where I’m falling off in other aspects like gas and food and stuff like that just continues to grow,” said Ortega.

The proposal did face opposition from the Florida Association of Counties in its second House committee hearing Monday.

Counties argue only two-thirds of those in the list of professions actually stand to benefit and the other third could actually see costs rise.

“And it’s shifted even to some within those very professions who are receiving the exemption, because if those professionals rent, they not only do not receive the benefit of that exemption, but they will face a higher share of burden from those who are exempt,” said Bob McKee with the Florida Association of Counties.

But Florida TaxWatch endorses the proposal, arguing the benefits outweigh the costs.

“It really applies to the men and women that have been real heroes, period, but particularly during this great pandemic,” said Dominic Calabro, President & CEO of Florida TaxWatch.

Florida voters will have the final say on the November ballot.

It would need 60 percent voter approval to pass.

President of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 530 Randy Reaves is encouraging voters to vote upon the measure.

“Even though it’s small monetary, I think it sends a message to those people that are out here working every single day that the community has their backs,” said Reaves.

The joint resolution still has a few more hurdles to pass in the Legislature before it can secure a place on the November ballot.

It’s passage is in little doubt though.

It’s been assigned HB 1 in the House, a designation that indicates it’s a top priority of leadership.

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