Explore

Rapid Read Rapid Read
Florida Judge Rules Property Tax Amendment Misleading, Orders Rewrite

Florida Judge Rules Property Tax Amendment Misleading, Orders Rewrite

A Florida judge has ruled that a proposed property tax amendment, set to appear on the November ballot, is misleading and must be rewritten. The amendment, titled 'Save Our Homes From Excessive Property Taxes,' aims to expand the homestead exemption and reduce the cap on tax assessments for non-homesteaded properties. Judge David Frank found that the ballot title and summary contained 'political taglines' that advocated for the amendment rather than accurately describing its effects. The ruling requires Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier to submit revised ballot language within 10 days. The amendment has faced criticism from local governments concerned about potential revenue losses.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Judge Orders Rewrite of Florida's Amendment 3 Ballot Initiative

Judge Orders Rewrite of Florida's Amendment 3 Ballot Initiative

A Tallahassee judge has mandated a rewrite of the ballot initiative for Amendment 3, which proposes reducing property tax in Florida. Circuit Judge David Frank found the initiative's title and summary misleading, prompting the state to revise them within ten days. The amendment, titled 'Save Our Homes from excessive property taxes,' has faced criticism for its deceptive language. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is tasked with addressing the court's concerns. The amendment aims to provide financial relief to homeowners but has been contentious, with opponents arguing it could harm public services.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Florida Property Tax Amendment Ordered to be Rewritten for Ballot Clarity

Florida Property Tax Amendment Ordered to be Rewritten for Ballot Clarity

A Leon County judge has ruled that the language of a proposed property tax amendment in Florida must be rewritten before it can appear on the November ballot. The amendment, which aims to cut property taxes, was criticized for its misleading and politically charged language. The title 'SAVE OUR HOMES FROM EXCESSIVE PROPERTY TAXES' was deemed more of a political slogan than a neutral statement. The summary was also found to be advocating for the amendment rather than explaining its effects. Attorney General James Uthmeier has been given 10 days to revise the title and summary to meet the court's requirements for neutrality and clarity.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Florida Sheriffs Express Concerns Over Proposed Property Tax Amendment

Florida Sheriffs Express Concerns Over Proposed Property Tax Amendment

The Florida Sheriff's Association has voiced significant concerns regarding a proposed amendment to roll back property taxes, which will appear on the November ballot. The association, representing the state's 66 elected sheriffs, warns that the measure could lead to longer law enforcement response times and limit local governments' ability to fund essential services like road repairs and stormwater management. The proposal, backed by Governor Ron DeSantis, aims to eliminate property taxes on primary homes over time, offering substantial savings to homeowners. However, it faces opposition from various law enforcement and first responder organizations due to potential service cuts.
Sarasota Herald-Tribune Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Property tax change will still affect Sarasota's schools | Letters

Property tax change will still affect Sarasota's schools | Letters

Sarasota County schools and students will feel the impact if Florida's Amendment 3 is approved in November
Sarasota Herald-Tribune Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Driver hits 140 mph as 100 cars take part in Florida highway takeover

Driver hits 140 mph as 100 cars take part in Florida highway takeover

It was reported more than 100 vehicles blocked all northbound lanes of I-75 near mile marker 266 in Hillsborough County on Aug. 1.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Governor DeSantis Highlights Fiscal Achievements with New Florida Budget

Governor DeSantis Highlights Fiscal Achievements with New Florida Budget

Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the signing of Florida's Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget, a $117.6 billion plan that reflects nearly eight years of conservative leadership. The budget includes significant investments in education, infrastructure, public safety, and environmental conservation, while also implementing $810 million in line-item vetoes. DeSantis emphasized the state's fiscal discipline, noting that Florida has maintained balanced budgets, achieved AAA credit ratings, and grown its reserves to nearly $18 billion. The budget also features tax relief measures and strategic investments aimed at sustaining Florida's economic growth and public services.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Clearwater Faces Potential Revenue Loss with Proposed Amendment 3

Clearwater Faces Potential Revenue Loss with Proposed Amendment 3

Clearwater residents recently attended a budget workshop to discuss the implications of Florida's proposed Amendment 3, which could significantly impact city services and funding. The amendment aims to increase homestead exemptions for homeowners, potentially phasing out property taxes over the next few years. This change would apply to properties that serve as a person's primary residence in Florida. City Manager Jennifer Poirrier highlighted that if the amendment passes, Clearwater could face a reduction of approximately $12 million in its general fund in the first year, with an additional $8 million loss in the second year. This represents about 10% of the city's general fund. The city plans to hold a special budget work session on August 11 to explore options for the 2027 budget, should the amendment be approved.
Sarasota Herald-Tribune Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Sarasota sunrise, sunsets times under permanent daylight saving time

Sarasota sunrise, sunsets times under permanent daylight saving time

What changes could Sarasota, Florida, expect in sunrise, sunset times under permanent daylight saving time?
Palm Beach Post Palm Beach Post
Palm Beach sunrise, sunsets times under permanent daylight saving time

Palm Beach sunrise, sunsets times under permanent daylight saving time

What changes could West Palm Beach, Florida, expect in sunrise, sunset times under permanent daylight saving time?
Florida Times-Union Florida Times-Union
Jacksonville sunrise, sunsets times under permanent daylight saving time

Jacksonville sunrise, sunsets times under permanent daylight saving time

What changes could Jacksonville, Florida, expect in sunrise, sunset times under permanent daylight saving time?
Trendline Trendline
Florida Leaders Propose Relocating NASA Headquarters to Brevard County

Florida Leaders Propose Relocating NASA Headquarters to Brevard County

Florida Leaders Propose Relocating NASA Headquarters to Brevard County