FORT WALTON BEACH — Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez has appointed Rep. Patt Maney, R-Shalimar, and Shane Abbott, R-DeFuniak Springs, to the newly formed Select Committee on Property Taxes, which will examine possible proposals to cut property taxes in Florida.
The committee convened for the first time May 1 and will explore changes to Florida’s property tax system amid a simmering dispute between the House, Gov. Ron DeSantis and Senate leaders over tax-cut proposals. DeSantis has floated the idea of eliminating property taxes completely. But in announcing the committee, Perez chided the governor for not coming up with a specific plan to do so, or to replace tax revenue local governments depend upon for services such as fire, police and infrastructure.
Proposed measures include significant new homestead exemptions — up to $500,000 for general homeowners and $1 million for seniors or long-term residents — as well as limits on tax assessments and potential elimination of property taxes on primary residences through voter referendums.
“We’re on the hunt and everything is on the table,” Maney said in a statement. “Florida’s families deserve meaningful relief from their tax burdens.”
Maney, a retired judge and Army general, said he was honored by the appointment and committed to tackling a ” challenge.”
Other ideas under review include allowing the Legislature to expand exemptions by general law and ending foreclosures on homestead properties from unpaid property taxes. Many of the committee’s proposals could require constitutional amendments, meaning Florida voters would have the final word.
Reps. Toby Overdorf, R-Palm City, and Vicki Lopez, R-Miami, will co-chair the committee, which is expected to continue its work throughout the now extended legislative session.