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Local electeds ask delegation for state help on stormwater projects, short-term-rental control and caution on broad property-tax changes
Summary
County and municipal leaders asked the delegation for state appropriations for stormwater projects and shoreline sand replenishment, urged reinstatement of local control over short-term rentals, and cautioned lawmakers against quick, sweeping property-tax cuts without evaluating local consequences.
A range of Brevard County elected officials, including county commissioners, city mayors and municipal managers, used the delegation meeting to press for state appropriations for local stormwater and beach projects and to warn against hasty statewide changes to property-tax policy.
Brevard County Commissioner Ron Feltner outlined multiple drainage projects across the county seeking legislative appropriations and asked the delegation for assistance on beach renourishment cost-share grants. The county also asked the state to restore local discretion over short-term rentals and to permit tourism-development tax dollars to fund police, fire and EMS where local governments choose to use them.
Mayors and city managers from Melbourne, Rockledge, Titusville, Satellite Beach, Cape Canaveral, Indian Harbour Beach, West Melbourne and Cocoa Beach described local priorities ranging from stormwater drainage and pier repairs to potable-water injection wells and urban culverts. A recurring theme: several barrier-island and built-out municipalities said they already hold low millage rates and have limited ability to grow their tax base to cover rising costs, and they urged caution if the state pursues broad property-tax elimination or portability changes.
City and county speakers also urged work on Senate Bill 180. Several speakers said parts of SB 180 (sections cited by presenters) have the unintended consequence of freezing local planning updates and could undermine areas of critical state concern; advocates, local officials and property-rights groups asked the delegation to support targeted fixes.
Why it matters: local governments told the delegation that many capital and resilience projects rely on state cost-share grants. Officials said removing or restricting local revenue sources without replacement could reduce capacity to provide police, fire and flood protection, particularly in built-out barrier-island communities with limited parcel growth.
What delegates said: Chair Mayfield acknowledged the complexity of property-tax issues and said the delegation will approach changes methodically and with stakeholder consultation during the 2026 session.
Next steps: municipal leaders were directed to coordinate with individual delegation offices for follow-up meetings and to supply project details and matching plans for appropriation requests.
