Keeping An Eye On Tallahassee - The Biggest Threat To Our Communities The Notion Of Reducing Or Eliminating Property Taxes

This year, over 1,200 Bills have been filed. I can think of many in the past years that should have never made it out of committee let alone become law. Deregulation of Vacation Rentals is a big one. It is not that they are bad, they simply do not belong everywhere. Local control was removed and now we are all dealing with the fallout.

Another is allowing at home businesses that bring customers into residential neighborhoods. While people may think what a great idea. This has to be great for businesses, but not for neighbors with a business next door with employees and customers coming and going.

The state also continues to remove local control when it comes to Development and Redevelopment. Live Local is a big one. It has changed the landscape of our communities. Property owners can build up to 90 units per acre so long as 40% is affordable. It also provides the height can be as high as the closest building within 3/4 of a mile or capped at 10 stories. The other side of this is there is a need for affordable housing to be created.

This year, the biggest threat to our communities is the notion of reducing or eliminating Property Taxes. There are to date over 8 Bills proposed on this issue alone. The reality is the state does not collect Property Taxes. Property Taxes are collected by local governments to provide services. Cities around the state rely on property taxes for vital services. The false narrative being created for political points and future runs for higher office will adversely impact every community. Some communities more than others. The reality is nothing is free. If you want safe livable communities, it costs money.

These are a few Bills to watch. AI Bill moving that will protect minors but also does not allow local government renewal of some AI contracts. There is a Bill for Drug Price Transparency, but it does not seem to touch or cap prices. There is a Bill to regulate certain Medical and Paramedic Licensing.

There is another proposal to further erode local control over land use. Of particular interest is cutting our ability for Impact Fees and Denial of Applications. There is a proposal once again to repeal some No-Fault Insurance Coverage. I call these Insurance Company Relief Bills guised as help for motorists.

There is a Bill to allow Medicare Provider Networks to negotiate mutually accepted rates for payments and reimbursement under Medicaid, it also provides for rate payments to dentists. So, while we are halfway through, you can see what takes place in Tallahassee will have overreaching implications.

We will be following the Property Tax Issue very closely. In the coming weeks, we will be hosting a Town Hall to share how these various proposals could impact our City. We will also discuss how the Lost Revenues may be made up in the form of Direct Fees. Again, there is not one thing that is FREE! We must provide Police, Fire, EMS, Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater Services. Code Enforcement and Building Safety are also vital. The free trip to parks may end up being all fee-based as well.

As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns, and ideas to make our City a better place on my Phone/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or you can email me at: jcooper@cohb.org. Please visit me on my Facebook page at: Mayor Joy Cooper. Like! Follow! And share!