Showdown on property-tax cut sets up in Senate

TALLAHASSEE — State lawmakers moved closer Friday to letting voters decide if middle-class homeowners should receive a bigger property-tax break.

But S e nate Democrats might still block a proposed constitutional amendment drawing opposition from local governments worried about maintaining services.

The proposal, which likely will be up for a vote Monday, is a priority of House Speaker Richard Corcoran, R-Land O’ Lakes. But it needs support from three- fififths of the Senate, and Democrats might be able to marshal enough votes to defeat it.

T h e S e n a t e o n F r i d ay moved for ward with the proposed c onst i t ut i onal amendment, HJR 7105, and an accompanying bill, HB 7107. If the proposal passes, voters would be asked in November 2018 to increase the nonschool homestead exemption by $25,000.

“What we’re doing here is taking a look at the spectrum of property owners who are paying into the system and trying to fifind a band of where we can attach an additional homestead exemption that will most broadly affffffffffffect the middle class in our state,” said Senate sponsor Tom Lee, R-Thonotosassa.

The Senate quickly moved Friday to position the amendment for a vote. Senate Democrats expressed opposition, but they have yet to take a caucus position on it.

Sen. Jeffff Clemens, D-Lake Worth, said the proposed amendment “exacerbates” an already uneven property-tax system in the state.

Fort Lauderdale Democrat Perry Thurston said he couldn’t support the measure because voters will approve the amendment without understanding potential consequences, such as impacts on parks, library services, law enforcement and fire protection.

“This is a bill that no one is asking for,” Thurston said.

The proposed amendment needs 24 votes to hit the three-fifths mark and pass the Senate. But Republicans are one vote shy of that number.