Bill to make it harder to raise taxes backed

News Service of Florida

The Florida House continued moving forward Wednesday with a bill that could make it harder for cities and counties to approve property-tax increases.

The House Local Administration, Federal Affairs & Special Districts Subcommittee voted 10-4 to approve the bill (HB 1195), sponsored by Rep. Sam Garrison, R-Fleming Island. The bill would require two-thirds votes by city, county and special district governing boards to approve increases in millage rates, which represent dollars assessed per $1,000 in property value. Garrison said voters have indicated that a “broad bipartisan consensus” should be needed to increase taxes.
The Florida League of Cities opposed the bill Wednesday, while a lobbyist for the Florida Association of Counties expressed concerns about it. Garrison’s bill also was approved last week by the House Ways & Means Committee. The Senate Community Affairs Committee last week approved the Senate version (SB 1322).