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Councilmembers warn HJR 203 could cost Boca Raton roughly $58 million in year one
Summary
Council members at the Feb. 23 workshop warned that House Joint Resolution 203, as described in staff presentations, could eliminate homestead exemptions and reduce Boca Raton's revenue by an estimated $58 million in the first year; councilmembers urged residents to contact state legislators.
Council members at a Boca Raton workshop on Feb. 23 told residents that a proposed state property-tax change—House Joint Resolution 203—could have large budget consequences for the city.
Council member Reeder said presentations from staff and finance advisers indicate that an immediate elimination of the homestead property-tax exemption under the version of HJR 203 discussed in Tallahassee would negatively affect Boca Raton's budget by about $58,000,000 in the first year. Reeder emphasized the scale of the impact, saying Boca is "very blessed" that nearly half of its tax base is commercial but that many Florida cities would face serious challenges if the exemption is eliminated.
Council member Drucker, who said she will be in Tallahassee later in the week, summarized recent legislative activity and said that earlier proposals for a 10-year phase-out were removed and that lawmakers and the Florida League of Cities were urging contact with both house and senate representatives. She described the state-level process as fluid and said further discussion and possible special-session action could follow.
No formal council action was taken on the matter during the workshop. Council members said they and staff will continue to monitor developments in Tallahassee and update the council and public as details emerge.
What happens next: Council and staff will continue to monitor HJR 203; Drucker said she would report back to the council after legislative developments in Tallahassee.
