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City Manager: HJR 203 could wipe out 24% of Sebastian’s general fund, forcing cuts or new fees
Summary
At a city workshop, City Manager Brian Benton told residents that House Joint Resolution 203 — which passed the Florida House — would eliminate property taxes on homesteaded properties if adopted and could reduce Sebastian’s general fund by roughly $4.76 million (about 24%), imperiling parks, maintenance and other non‑public‑safety services unless new revenues are found.
City Manager Brian Benton told residents at a city workshop that House Joint Resolution 203, which passed the Florida House and now moves to the Senate, would eliminate property taxes on homesteaded properties if implementing legislation and voter approval follow. "As I've shown in a couple slides, we're gonna lose general fund revenue of about 24 percent," Benton said, quantifying the city's potential hit at about $4,756,309.
The reduction would come from a proposal the House amended on the floor to make homestead property taxes effectively zero for homesteaded residences beginning Jan. 1, 2027; school taxes would remain on the bill. Benton explained that the measure must pass both legislative chambers and an implementing measure must be signed by the governor before voters decide the change at the ballot box.
Why it matters: property taxes are the most flexible local revenue source for Sebastian’s general fund. Benton said the city collects about $8.39 million in ad valorem taxes and that…
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