This November, Florida voters will be asked to decide on the most radical restructuring of Florida’s tax system in decades. HJR 1-F would increase the homestead exemption to $250,000 over two years and lay the groundwork for the potential elimination of homestead property taxes.
Florida legislators have argued that this measure is needed to provide financial relief to struggling taxpayers. But if this proposal were truly about affordability, it would target the lower-income homeowners who need relief most. In fact, dramatically reducing property taxes would make Miami-Dade less affordable and less livable for most residents. Essential services would be cut, and the tax burden could shift onto renters and small businesses.
Property taxes fund the local government services we all depend on every day: roads, public schools, parks, libraries, police and fire departments and Jackson Health System. Through the Children’s Trust, property taxes also support preschools, day care centers and free swim lessons across Miami-Dade…