Ballot amendment - Homestead exemption

[Rainger99]

I just got the November 8 ballot in the mail. I was aware of the Fire District referendum (still don't understand it) but I was not aware of a proposed amended to the Florida Constitution.

The ballot states:

Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to authorize the Legislature, by general law, to grant an additional homestead tax exemption for nonschool levies of up to $50,000 of the assessed value of homestead property owned by classroom teachers, law enforcement officers, correctional officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, child welfare services professionals, active duty members of the United States Armed Forces, and Florida National Guard members. This amendment shall take effect January 1, 2023.

Does anyone have any idea how many "classroom teachers, law enforcement officers, correctional officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, child welfare services professionals, active duty members of the United States Armed Forces, and Florida National Guard members" live in Sumter County and what the impact will be on tax revenue?

[Bill14564]

I just got the November 8 ballot in the mail. I was aware of the Fire District referendum (still don't understand it) but I was not aware of a proposed amended to the Florida Constitution.

The ballot states:

Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to authorize the Legislature, by general law, to grant an additional homestead tax exemption for nonschool levies of up to $50,000 of the assessed value of homestead property owned by classroom teachers, law enforcement officers, correctional officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, child welfare services professionals, active duty members of the United States Armed Forces, and Florida National Guard members. This amendment shall take effect January 1, 2023.

Does anyone have any idea how many "classroom teachers, law enforcement officers, correctional officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, child welfare services professionals, active duty members of the United States Armed Forces, and Florida National Guard members" live in Sumter County and what the impact will be on tax revenue?

I don't know the number of people but at a 5.59mil rate for 2023 the impact would be $278 per eligible household.

[gatorbill1]

I just got the November 8 ballot in the mail. I was aware of the Fire District referendum (still don't understand it) but I was not aware of a proposed amended to the Florida Constitution.

The ballot states:

Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to authorize the Legislature, by general law, to grant an additional homestead tax exemption for nonschool levies of up to $50,000 of the assessed value of homestead property owned by classroom teachers, law enforcement officers, correctional officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, child welfare services professionals, active duty members of the United States Armed Forces, and Florida National Guard members. This amendment shall take effect January 1, 2023.

Does anyone have any idea how many "classroom teachers, law enforcement officers, correctional officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, child welfare services professionals, active duty members of the United States Armed Forces, and Florida National Guard members" live in Sumter County and what the impact will be on tax revenue?

I would Vote yes for Active Armed Forces and National Guard, but not sure why others included in this amendment. A lot of important jobholders not included like medical people.

[blueash]

I just got the November 8 ballot in the mail. I was aware of the Fire District referendum (still don't understand it) but I was not aware of a proposed amended to the Florida Constitution.

The ballot states:

Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to authorize the Legislature, by general law, to grant an additional homestead tax exemption for nonschool levies of up to $50,000 of the assessed value of homestead property owned by classroom teachers, law enforcement officers, correctional officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, child welfare services professionals, active duty members of the United States Armed Forces, and Florida National Guard members. This amendment shall take effect January 1, 2023.

Does anyone have any idea how many "classroom teachers, law enforcement officers, correctional officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, child welfare services professionals, active duty members of the United States Armed Forces, and Florida National Guard members" live in Sumter County and what the impact will be on tax revenue?

There are about 550 public school teachers. The Sumter sheriff has "over" 150 police, plus there are localities with their own force. Coleman prison is a very large complex, I cannot find a number of correction officers but there are over 2000 inmates, so many hundred guards. The Villages Fire Dept has 150 full time fire fighters, again the county and some cities have their own staffs.

Complete guess, 1 to 2 thousand total positions. It is unclear how many would live in Sumter and own a home, but whatever their location, some county will be losing money.

Obviously if you cut taxes for a group of people, to continue to provide services you need to increase taxes for everyone else. How did the legislature pick the winners, and losers in this amendment that came not from a citizen initiative but from our legislature? Did the suggestion of special treatment of groups result in increased campaign contributions? Is this amendment really likely to help hire or retain preferred employees? Why not nurses, preschool teachers, or blue collar workers?

The millage (dollars of tax per 1000 of assessed value) is $10 for every thousand but half of that is school levy. So a 50,000 reduced assessment saves the homeowner $250/yr.

[justjim]

I would Vote yes for Active Armed Forces and National Guard, but not sure why others included in this amendment. A lot of important jobholders not included like medical people.

When you start to pick “special groups” it can quickly come a slippery slope,

[alwann]

Sure, give those people a little help. How about a trade-off. Stop taxing older folks with no kids for education. Kind of a No School-aged Children Exemption.

[Stu from NYC]

I would Vote yes for Active Armed Forces and National Guard, but not sure why others included in this amendment. A lot of important jobholders not included like medical people.

Professional might include doctors and nurses which would probably be ok but does it include for example lawyers?

Where does one draw the line?

[Rainger99]

Analysis of the amendment.

I believe it has to be approved by 60% of the voters.

Florida Amendment 3, Additional Homestead Property Tax Exemption for Certain Public Service Workers Measure (2022 - Ballotpedia (https://ballotpedia.org/Florida_Amendment_3,_Additional_Homestead_Property _Tax_Exemption_for_Certain_Public_Service_Workers_ Measure_(2022))

The Revenue Estimating Conference estimated that approval of the amendment would reduce local property tax revenue (except school district tax revenue) by $85.9 million beginning in Fiscal Year 2023-2024.[3]

The following is a 2022 voter guide.

A Comprehensive Guide to Florida's 2022 Constitutional Amendments (https://floridataxwatch.org/Research/Full-Library/a-comprehensive-guide-to-floridas-2022-constitutional-amendments)

[Mortal1]

I find it to be inherently unfair in that they don't include veterans...as if our time dedicating our lives to the safety of this country didn't matter. One reason they can put this on the ballot is because vets were ready, willing and able to put our lives on the line at that time.

[Altavia]

How about instead we pay those people what they are worth?

[golfing eagles]

There are about 550 public school teachers. The Sumter sheriff has "over" 150 police, plus there are localities with their own force. Coleman prison is a very large complex, I cannot find a number of correction officers but there are over 2000 inmates, so many hundred guards. The Villages Fire Dept has 150 full time fire fighters, again the county and some cities have their own staffs.

Complete guess, 1 to 2 thousand total positions. It is unclear how many would live in Sumter and own a home, but whatever their location, some county will be losing money.

Obviously if you cut taxes for a group of people, to continue to provide services you need to increase taxes for everyone else. How did the legislature pick the winners, and losers in this amendment that came not from a citizen initiative but from our legislature? Did the suggestion of special treatment of groups result in increased campaign contributions? Is this amendment really likely to help hire or retain preferred employees? Why not nurses, preschool teachers, or blue collar workers?

The millage (dollars of tax per 1000 of assessed value) is $10 for every thousand but half of that is school levy. So a 50,000 reduced assessment saves the homeowner $250/yr.

Agree 110%. It's a slippery slope.

I could agree with active duty military and guard, but then what about vets

Next police and firefighters, ok, but correction officers?

EMTs and paramedics but not nurses, but include child welfare workers?

And of course, teachers---who's got a more powerful union than the NEA?

[Babubhat]

No more giveaways.

[Rainger99]

How about instead we pay those people what they are worth?

How much should the following professions be paid?
Most of the people that I know who work in those professions have great benefits while they are working and great retirement benefits.

classroom teachers,
law enforcement officers, correctional officers, firefighters,
emergency medical technicians,
paramedics,
child welfare services professionals,
active duty military members of the United States Armed Forces,
members of the Florida National Guard.

[Klearhead]

it's too wide a spectrum ...and doesn't provide the impact upon the tax base or how those dollars would be made up.

[Wilharm]

If there are surplus funds, return the money to all of the taxpayers.

[HoosierPa]

When you start to pick “special groups” it can quickly come a slippery slope,

Already do. Look at
The IRS tax code

I guess you are for a flat tax

[Wilharm]

What does the IRS tax code have to do with property tax?

[mkjelenbaas]

I just got the November 8 ballot in the mail. I was aware of the Fire District referendum (still don't understand it) but I was not aware of a proposed amended to the Florida Constitution.

The ballot states:

Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to authorize the Legislature, by general law, to grant an additional homestead tax exemption for nonschool levies of up to $50,000 of the assessed value of homestead property owned by classroom teachers, law enforcement officers, correctional officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, child welfare services professionals, active duty members of the United States Armed Forces, and Florida National Guard members. This amendment shall take effect January 1, 2023.

Does anyone have any idea how many "classroom teachers, law enforcement officers, correctional officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, child welfare services professionals, active duty members of the United States Armed Forces, and Florida National Guard members" live in Sumter County and what the impact will be on tax revenue?
15 will be effected.

[me4vt]

I could see 20 year + Retired Veterans!!

[toeser]

How about instead we pay those people what they are worth?

Maybe we are.

[cherylncliff]

I would Vote yes for Active Armed Forces and National Guard, but not sure why others included in this amendment. A lot of important jobholders not included like medical people.

These people's salaries are paid by the government. In essence, they are paying their own salaries

[Sandy and Ed]

Agree 110%. It's a slippery slope.

I could agree with active duty military and guard, but then what about vets

Next police and firefighters, ok, but correction officers?

EMTs and paramedics but not nurses, but include child welfare workers?

And of course, teachers---who's got a more powerful union than the NEA?
Fast answer for all these obvious reasons: NO WAY !!!!! They are ALL contingent on continued employment in these professions for an additional reason. But that is not the only reason. It is a give away - we already saw too much of these recently and are reaping the effects now. Let’s just stop trying to cram another chicken in another por

[Bridget Staunton]

I would vote for active people in the armed forced if they separate them out. I will not vote for teachers, well paid, doctors very well paid. What about the people living TV who may be slightly over the maximum. The men in blue are my favorite they deserve something but we cannot separate out. Teachers are well paid even when retired I have several that make more than I do and there health insurance is practically paid by the state

[golfing eagles]

I would vote for active people in the armed force if they separate them out. I will not vote for teachers, well paid, doctors very well paid. What about the people living TV who may be slightly over the maximum. The men in blue are my favorite they deserve something but we cannot separate out. Teachers are well paid even when retired I have several that make more than I do and there health insurance is practically paid by the state

And once they leave the military?????

[Stu from NYC]

I would vote for active people in the armed force if they separate them out. I will not vote for teachers, well paid, doctors very well paid. What about the people living TV who may be slightly over the maximum. The men in blue are my favorite they deserve something but we cannot separate out. Teachers are well paid even when retired I have several that make more than I do and there health insurance is practically paid by the state

This kind of stuff is getting out of hand. Lets reduce everyones taxes and call it a day

[Rickanvic]

How would this be controlled? Would you have to submit proof of employment every year? Can I take a job for a week and get the benefit for the entire year?

[DeeCee Dubya]

All valid questions that we as citizen taxpayers should ask when any certain group is gifted with the financial favors.

[Lindaws]

Many of these people are low pay, why not

[golfing eagles]

Many of these people are low pay, why not

Again, let the free market set salaries, keep it out of the tax code

[MandoMan]

Analysis of the amendment.

I believe it has to be approved by 60% of the voters.

Florida Amendment 3, Additional Homestead Property Tax Exemption for Certain Public Service Workers Measure (2022 - Ballotpedia (https://ballotpedia.org/Florida_Amendment_3,_Additional_Homestead_Property _Tax_Exemption_for_Certain_Public_Service_Workers_ Measure_(2022))

The Revenue Estimating Conference estimated that approval of the amendment would reduce local property tax revenue (except school district tax revenue) by $85.9 million beginning in Fiscal Year 2023-2024.[3]

The following is a 2022 voter guide.

A Comprehensive Guide to Florida's 2022 Constitutional Amendments (https://floridataxwatch.org/Research/Full-Library/a-comprehensive-guide-to-floridas-2022-constitutional-amendments)

Thanks. That Comprehensive Guide was fair and very helpful.

[Rainger99]

How would this be controlled? Would you have to submit proof of employment every year? Can I take a job for a week and get the benefit for the entire year?

According to Ballotpedia, "Those receiving the additional exemption would be required to annually provide proof of full-time qualifying employment."

Florida Amendment 3, Additional Homestead Property Tax Exemption for Certain Public Service Workers Measure (2022 - Ballotpedia (https://ballotpedia.org/Florida_Amendment_3,_Additional_Homestead_Property _Tax_Exemption_for_Certain_Public_Service_Workers_ Measure_(2022))

[Jerseybob]

I would Vote yes for Active Armed Forces and National Guard, but not sure why others included in this amendment. A lot of important jobholders not included like medical people.

Interesting wording in the amendment. Because of the wording I offer these questions:
1. " ..... to grant an additional homestead tax exemption for non-school levies of up to $50,000 of the assessed value of homestead property ..."

2.Currently, a single person that qualifies with a $25,000 exemption would then receive an additional $50,000 for a total of $75,000?

3. A couple can earn $50,000 at this time, would that bring the number to $100,000 for them?

4. The language is noticeably absent further definition in a particularly key area. There is no language that addresses if the qualifying people would maintain the exemption under the proposed amendment. What occurs in the event of regular retirement, suspension of service for any reason including disabilities, family caretaking, or injury during the career? Do they lose the exemption?

5. Would retired veterans of those services (police, fire, military, etc.) also be provided with this tax exemption due to their completed service?

[Aces4]

Or.....let the free market determine the salary value of a particular job and keep it the heck out of the tax code. If one thinks a particular job is "underpaid" based on free market forces, perhaps that job isn't worth as much as one thinks it is. This is why our IRS tax code is 13,000 pages long. There are plenty more jobs that require "sacrifice" every day, why pick out just a few.

I agree and where does this all end? Every occupation is a “service” to someone else. What about the mechanic, concrete mason, daycare workers, etc. who daily provide services that are often grueling and take a constant toll on their bodies as they work to make ends meet and keep their homes. Now they have to pick up the taxes of a select few even though many people struggle to pay their bills. The idiocy continues…

[golfing eagles]

I agree and where does this all end? Every occupation is a “service” to someone else. What about the mechanic, concrete mason, daycare workers, etc. who daily provide services that are often grueling and take a constant toll on their bodies as they work to make ends meet and keep their homes. Now they have to pick up the taxes of a select few even though many people struggle to pay their bills. The idiocy continues…

You mean like having a ditch digger or garbage collector pay taxes so someone who earned a PhD can have their student loan forgiven???

[Aces4]

Lets not forget the ditchdiggers.

As Golfing Eagles already mentioned…

Every working life is important, not just a select few. Many people have lost their lives who did not have the limited occupations listed for special consideration in paying property taxes.

[Burgy]

it's too wide a spectrum ...and doesn't provide the impact upon the tax base or how those dollars would be made up.

Agree too complicated. Too many groups. I'm voting no

[Bilyclub]

I saw this referendum on the mailer from the county and wondered why I hadn't heard about this being on the ballot. I know the pay scale down here is lower, but so is the cost of living, or at least used to be low.

[jimjamuser]

Sure, give those people a little help. How about a trade-off. Stop taxing older folks with no kids for education. Kind of a No School-aged Children Exemption.
All of society, young or old, kids or no kids, benefit from improved childhood schools. Those are the people that in the future will join the military and protect EVERYONE in the US. They are the future fireman and police personnel. They are your future Doctors and Nurses. They are the CNAs that bring the bedpans to the elderly in nursing homes and hospitals.

For the US to be a world leader, it MUST have a world-leading elementary and secondary school system.

[jimjamuser]

I just got the November 8 ballot in the mail. I was aware of the Fire District referendum (still don't understand it) but I was not aware of a proposed amended to the Florida Constitution.

The ballot states:

Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to authorize the Legislature, by general law, to grant an additional homestead tax exemption for nonschool levies of up to $50,000 of the assessed value of homestead property owned by classroom teachers, law enforcement officers, correctional officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, child welfare services professionals, active duty members of the United States Armed Forces, and Florida National Guard members. This amendment shall take effect January 1, 2023.

Does anyone have any idea how many "classroom teachers, law enforcement officers, correctional officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, child welfare services professionals, active duty members of the United States Armed Forces, and Florida National Guard members" live in Sumter County and what the impact will be on tax revenue?
Long story.....short......I intend to vote YES on amendment 3

[jimjamuser]

How much should the following professions be paid?
Most of the people that I know who work in those professions have great benefits while they are working and great retirement benefits.

classroom teachers,
law enforcement officers, correctional officers, firefighters,
emergency medical technicians,
paramedics,
child welfare services professionals,
active duty military members of the United States Armed Forces,
members of the Florida National Guard.
Florida pays classroom teachers one of the lowest in the US, at least in the lowest quartile. Many large corporations have REFUSED to locate in Florida because of worry about the lack of good schools for their employee's children.

[Aces4]

Florida pays classroom teachers one of the lowest in the US, at least in the lowest quartile. Many large corporations have REFUSED to locate in Florida because of worry about the lack of good schools for their employee's children.

Do Florida teachers pay state income tax on their earnings?

[Aces4]

All of society, young or old, kids or no kids, benefit from improved childhood schools. Those are the people that in the future will join the military and protect EVERYONE in the US. They are the future fireman and police personnel. They are your future Doctors and Nurses. They are the CNAs that bring the bedpans to the elderly in nursing homes and hospitals.

For the US to be a world leader, it MUST have a world-leading elementary and secondary school system.

If parents now could see the excellent education children in the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s received from way under paid, dedicated teachers their heads would spin. Salary isn’t the factor harming education now.

[JSR22]

Do Florida teachers pay state income tax on their earnings?

Florida does not have a state income tax.

[Kenswing]

Florida pays classroom teachers one of the lowest in the US, at least in the lowest quartile. Many large corporations have REFUSED to locate in Florida because of worry about the lack of good schools for their employee's children.

Your posts should begin with “Once upon a time”.

Can you please list these companies that REFUSED to locate to Florida? And who was trying to force them to move in the first place?

[golfing eagles]

Florida pays classroom teachers one of the lowest in the US, at least in the lowest quartile. Many large corporations have REFUSED to locate in Florida because of worry about the lack of good schools for their employee's children.

Yep, people and corporations are avoiding Florida like the plague. They are all headed to the paradise of California 😂😂😂

[Aces4]

Florida does not have a state income tax.

There’s a salary increase right there.

[virtue51]

The amendment does not consider the household income. For example, a teacher married to an individual with an annual salary of $80,000. Why would the household receive a homestead tax exemption?

Also, it identifies only select professions. Why these professions and not other professions?

It is obvious that the lawmakers did not consider the impact of the amendment upon all taxpayers.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Interesting wording in the amendment. Because of the wording I offer these questions:
1. " ..... to grant an additional homestead tax exemption for non-school levies of up to $50,000 of the assessed value of homestead property ..."

2.Currently, a single person that qualifies with a $25,000 exemption would then receive an additional $50,000 for a total of $75,000?

3. A couple can earn $50,000 at this time, would that bring the number to $100,000 for them?

4. The language is noticeably absent further definition in a particularly key area. There is no language that addresses if the qualifying people would maintain the exemption under the proposed amendment. What occurs in the event of regular retirement, suspension of service for any reason including disabilities, family caretaking, or injury during the career? Do they lose the exemption?

5. Would retired veterans of those services (police, fire, military, etc.) also be provided with this tax exemption due to their completed service?

Note the bolded/underlined. It looks to me that they'd get an additional exemption, but the maximum additional wouldn't be higher than $50k. So - if they own a $500k house, maybe they /would/ get that $75k exemption. but if their house is only worth $50k, then no - they wouldn't be 100% exempt.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I just got the November 8 ballot in the mail. I was aware of the Fire District referendum (still don't understand it) but I was not aware of a proposed amended to the Florida Constitution.

The ballot states:

Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to authorize the Legislature, by general law, to grant an additional homestead tax exemption for nonschool levies of up to $50,000 of the assessed value of homestead property owned by classroom teachers, law enforcement officers, correctional officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, child welfare services professionals, active duty members of the United States Armed Forces, and Florida National Guard members. This amendment shall take effect January 1, 2023.

Does anyone have any idea how many "classroom teachers, law enforcement officers, correctional officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, child welfare services professionals, active duty members of the United States Armed Forces, and Florida National Guard members" live in Sumter County and what the impact will be on tax revenue?


I don't know how many. But I'm seeing a lot of people wondering WHY. Why are they singling out this group of people to get additional homestead exemptions? A look at the bigger picture might be helpful. Maybe expanding your resource base to see "what's going on" in the great State of Florida beyond the bubble or even the county you live in. Florida needs a higher quality and greater quantity of classroom teachers, law enforcement/correctional officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, child welfare services professionals, and more National Guardsmen.

Right now, there are lots of people working in lots of jobs. Unemployment is down. That means employees can afford to be a little more picky about where they work. Florida is, for the above list of jobholders, a really lousy place to work. The people working in those jobs are underpaid, have fewer benefits, with fewer rights and more responsibility than similar jobs in other states. The state has attracted some of the worst of the worst, or not enough of even mediocre quality employees to these jobs.

What high-quality person in *those specific fields* would WANT to move to Florida and buy a home here? Answer: not enough. So give them some kind of incentive to do that. Tenants can move without much worry at all. Homeowners though - they have a vested interest in their community. And not just any homeowners - they have to actually live in those homes, to qualify. That's also why veterans aren't included in this: veterans are people who are no longer serving the military. But if they become teachers - and then buy a home here - well. Then they can get that sweet extra exemption. Hm - isn't there some kind of new legislation about that in Florida? Why yes - yes I think there is.

I'm not decided on whether or not I will vote yes for this. I think it's a political ploy, just like the 25-cent gas tax reduction in October was a political ploy. Every tax break the state gives to specific groups of people ends up costing ALL the people in the end. The gasoline tax reduction didn't affect a lot of people who live in cities, where they walk to work or take mass transit. The price of bus fare to get from State Road 7 in Plantation to the A1A in Ft. Lauderdale didn't go up. Only people who drive gas-powered vehicles benefit /directly/ from this tax reduction. By the start of the next fiscal year you'll see that the state has not earned what they should have, because of it. And SOMEONE will have to pay for it.

That someone will likely be homeowners. And the circle goes round and round.

[Babubhat]

Someone else’s exemption is your tax increase.

[midiwiz]

I don't know the number of people but at a 5.59mil rate for 2023 the impact would be $278 per eligible household.

this is the only focus???? you leave out the fire dept that costs each household more. the "owner" has billions, it should be part of the provided amenities and paid for by them It's a write off anyway for them but apparently they aren't well versed in this.

[golfing eagles]

this is the only focus???? you leave out the fire dept that costs each household more. the "owner" has billions, it should be part of the provided amenities and paid for by them It's a write off anyway for them but apparently they aren't well versed in this.

You're kidding, right? At least I hope so. If not, why on God's green Earth should the "developer" pay for YOU to have protection on YOUR home against fire???? Because he has "billions"????? Another Robin Hood philosophy????
I'm sure most of us have more assets than a homeless drug addict-----let's give it away to them. Oh wait, we do---it's called charity and it is VOLUNTARY. So why not make it REQUIRED like you propose for "the developer"? A little different when the shoe is on the other foot?

[Chee-Chee]

Teachers from the northeast Have good retirements not Fla.

[Bill14564]

I don't know the number of people but at a 5.59mil rate for 2023 the impact would be $278 per eligible household.

this is the only focus???? you leave out the fire dept that costs each household more. the "owner" has billions, it should be part of the provided amenities and paid for by them It's a write off anyway for them but apparently they aren't well versed in this.

The question was about the impact on taxes from the particular amendment and the answer is $278 per eligible household. What other "focus" is there for an answer to that question?

The fire dept. should cost each Villager less but there are already multiple threads for that discussion.

[Ash Marwah]

I just got the November 8 ballot in the mail. I was aware of the Fire District referendum (still don't understand it) but I was not aware of a proposed amended to the Florida Constitution.

The ballot states:

Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to authorize the Legislature, by general law, to grant an additional homestead tax exemption for nonschool levies of up to $50,000 of the assessed value of homestead property owned by classroom teachers, law enforcement officers, correctional officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, child welfare services professionals, active duty members of the United States Armed Forces, and Florida National Guard members. This amendment shall take effect January 1, 2023.

Does anyone have any idea how many "classroom teachers, law enforcement officers, correctional officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, child welfare services professionals, active duty members of the United States Armed Forces, and Florida National Guard members" live in Sumter County and what the impact will be on tax revenue?

The Amendment 1 says not to include Flood Walls or Sea Walls as part of the Assessed value of the property. That simply means that oceanfront mansions which use the Sea Walls will pay less tax and we will end up making up the difference.

Amendment 3 says to allow Teachers and First Responders to get an extra Homestead Exemption. That only means you and I will end up paying more in taxes to make up the difference. Why not use the State Budget Surplus to raise Teachers and First Responders salaries. Teachers' pay is miserable in Florida. We are losing our children, our future to poor education system. See attached Editorial from Sumter Sun Times.

[Ash Marwah]

Fire District Referendum:
CS/HB 995: Sumter County
LOCAL BILL by Local Administration and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee ; Hage
Sumter County; Creates The Village's Independent Fire Control & Rescue District; provides boundaries; provides for district board of commissioners & membership, officers, & meetings thereof; provides powers & duties of district & board & appointment & terms of office; provides for modification of district boundaries & for amendment of charter by special act of Legislature; requires referendum.
Effective Date: only upon its approval by a majority vote of those qualified electors residing within the district voting in a referendum to be held no later than December 31, 2023
THIS IS THE WORST LAW ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE THIS YEAR WHO HAVE NO IDEA OF EMS & FIRE PROTECTION NEEDS OF THE VILLAGES. WHAT DO THE LEGISLATORS IN MIAMI, TAMPA, JACKSONVILLE OR LEVY COUNTY KNOW ABOUT OUR NEEDS, YET THEY VOTED ON THE THIS BILL TO RAM IT DOWN OUR THROATS. THE BILL WAS SPONSORED BY NONE OTHER THAN OUR OWN REP. BRETT HAGE, WHO WILL PROBABLY GET A FAT PAYCHECK IF IT IS APPROVED, JUST LIKE HIS $350,000 PAYCHECK LAST YEAR AFTER THE IMPACT FEE LAW WAS APPROVED.
I HOPE THIS NONSENSE FLORIDA LAW IS DEFEATED BY THE RESIDENTS OF THE VILLAGES RESOUNDINGLY.
See the current Bulletin of POA for more details: POA4us.org/bulletin/

[Bill14564]

The Amendment 1 says not to include Flood Walls or Sea Walls as part of the Assessed value of the property. That simply means that oceanfront mansions which use the Sea Walls will pay less tax and we will end up making up the difference.

Amendment 3 says to allow Teachers and First Responders to get an extra Homestead Exemption. That only means you and I will end up paying more in taxes to make up the difference. Why not use the State Budget Surplus to raise Teachers and First Responders salaries. Teachers' pay is miserable in Florida. We are losing our children, our future to poor education system. See attached Editorial from Sumter Sun Times.

Amendment 1 does not affect the current tax base at all. There is no loss of tax revenue so there is no difference for us to make up.

Amendment 3 does affect the tax base but does so in order to provide a limited benefit to a particular group of people. Is it what we want? The voters will soon decide.

[Bilyclub]

Amendment 1 does not affect the current tax base at all. There is no loss of tax revenue so there is no difference for us to make up.

Amendment 3 does affect the tax base but does so in order to provide a limited benefit to a particular group of people. Is it what we want? The voters will soon decide.


There is some discussion that seawalls cause erosion of beaches and other unprotected properties. Making seawalls cheaper to have would not be a good thing.

[RickyLee]

Florida does not have a state income tax.

I think that was the point being made

[ron32162]

Vote NO!

[OhioBuckeye]

I agree but if they didn’t tax everyone, I would think the schools couldn’t support our children. State school board have very strong unions. But I do agree we don’t have any children that are school age. But it was that way when we had kids in school. We live in Texas now & our taxes are $2,000. a yr. Higher than when we lived in Florida. So now I just suck it up!

[bark4me]

I just got the November 8 ballot in the mail. I was aware of the Fire District referendum (still don't understand it) but I was not aware of a proposed amended to the Florida Constitution.

The ballot states:

Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to authorize the Legislature, by general law, to grant an additional homestead tax exemption for nonschool levies of up to $50,000 of the assessed value of homestead property owned by classroom teachers, law enforcement officers, correctional officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, child welfare services professionals, active duty members of the United States Armed Forces, and Florida National Guard members. This amendment shall take effect January 1, 2023.

Does anyone have any idea how many "classroom teachers, law enforcement officers, correctional officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, child welfare services professionals, active duty members of the United States Armed Forces, and Florida National Guard members" live in Sumter County and what the impact will be on tax revenue?
I'm oretty confident that this is for ACTIVE members only not retired.

[jleonard]

The bottom line is, all those people mention chose their profession. If the compensation isn’t good enough seek another profession, we have a shortage of workers! Just vote no!!

[golfing eagles]

The bottom line is, all those people mention chose their profession. If the compensation isn’t good enough seek another profession, we have a shortage of workers! Just vote no!!

I agree----it's no different than student loan forgiveness. The question was posed: Is it fair for a truck driver to pay for a loan taken by someone who earned a PhD?
So, in a similar vein, is it fair for a ditch digger to subsidize the property tax of an active duty 3-star general who gets paid about 200K/year????

[Daddymac]

How much should the following professions be paid?
Most of the people that I know who work in those professions have great benefits while they are working and great retirement benefits.

classroom teachers,
law enforcement officers, correctional officers, firefighters,
emergency medical technicians,
paramedics,
child welfare services professionals,
active duty military members of the United States Armed Forces,
members of the Florida National Guard.
:blahblahblah::blahblahblah::blahblahblah::blahbla hblah::

These are people that have guaranteed jobs. Once they get on the job, they are on for life! I say give it to a Carpenter, plumber A road worker, people working in department stores. The person that has to worry about making a paycheck the next day, the next week, the next month. I don’t think that person with that guarantee job would need it as much. How about we look out for the little guy!!!:boom: :welcome:

[OhioBuckeye]

I agree but the retirees will still be paying just like we’ve been doing for yrs. Believe me I’m not poking fun at you. You’re exactly right!

[Stu from NYC]

After careful consideration lets give the exemption to everyone and call it a day. These exemptions have gotten well out of hand.

[Oldragbagger]

It’s a no for us. Creating too many special interest groups for cuts just makes the tax burden too onerous for those of us who don’t fit into the parameters. My husband was a military member, a cop, and a teacher/administrator. We made decent money and paid our share. It’s time to stop with all this social engineering and wealth redistribution.

[Aces4]

It’s a no for us. Creating too many special interest groups for cuts just makes the tax burden too onerous for those of us who don’t fit into the parameters. My husband was a military member, a cop, and a teacher/administrator. We made decent money and paid our share. It’s time to stop with all this social engineering and wealth redistribution.


I heard there is a shortage of quality roofers in Florida and the dangers of the job are keeping people from applying. Now roofers will be added to the handout bill. :22yikes: Note: Tongue in cheek here…

[golfing eagles]

After careful consideration lets give the exemption to everyone and call it a day. These exemptions have gotten well out of hand.

I like it. Of course, that creates a zero net sum game and everyone's tax will stay the same after they adjust the milage rate.

Oh, wait, that would put a crimp in the wealth redistribution agenda

Perhaps we could try it in the Village of Stu first:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl: