St. Petersburg council urges state to weigh property-tax reform impacts, warns of roughly $70 million hit

The St. Petersburg City Council on May 28 unanimously approved a resolution urging the Florida Legislature to carefully consider the local impacts of proposed property-tax reforms.

Council member Brandy Gabbard presented the resolution from the Legislative Affairs & Intergovernmental Relations Committee, saying legal staff had prepared amended language reflecting committee discussion. The resolution asks state lawmakers to account for city budget consequences before enacting changes.

During debate, the council's presiding officer warned that raising the homestead exemption to $250,000 — a figure discussed in committee materials — could equate to a roughly $70 million reduction in property-tax revenue for the city. "That equates to 70 something million dollars," the chair said, adding that the city pays for police and fire services with property-tax revenue and that a shortfall of that size would require either cuts or new fees and shifting costs among funds.

Council members thanked Gabbard and said they hoped the resolution would reach state lawmakers. Vice Chair Richie Floyd characterized claims that local governments could readily absorb such cuts as "nonsense," noting inflation-driven cost increases and the limited options available to make up large revenue losses.

The council passed the resolution after a brief discussion; members emphasized the need for local officials to be informed about state proposals that may affect municipal budgets.

The resolution will be transmitted as directed by the committee and city staff; councilors urged continued review of proposed state actions that could materially affect services and staffing.