Property appraiser warns homestead-exemption change could cost Flagler County tens of millions

Flagler County’s property appraiser and finance staff on June 16 debated preliminary estimates of how a proposed state homestead‑exemption change could reduce local tax revenue, with the appraiser warning of substantial, multi‑year losses.

Jay Gardner, identified in the workshop as the county’s property appraiser, told the board the first‑year countywide revenue loss is “probably in the ballpark” of $28 million and that a revenue‑estimating conference (FAC) produced larger countywide figures. Gardner said including the effects of a 5% assessment cap would increase the estimate and that the total losses grow substantially over five years under the assumptions he reviewed.

County finance staff said the state has published its own calculator and estimated impacts for Flagler County, but several commissioners said the state numbers appeared substantially lower than local estimates and asked how the state derived them. Brian Eichinger said staff provided the taxable values that the state used and committed to reconciling differences.

Gardner cautioned the board about operational constraints the referendum might impose. He said some language could limit how local governments spend tax dollars and that, while schools were later insulated, other local services could effectively lose flexibility. He summarized: “You will lose that money for sure,” and urged the board to prepare for potential revenue declines.

No formal action was taken at the workshop; staff said final taxable values arrive July 1 and that the tentative county budget will be presented July 13. Commissioners asked staff to provide reconciled, county‑level impact numbers before final budget decisions.

Closing procedural note: the referendum language is under legal review and may be revised before the ballot; staff said litigation and clarifying language are expected in the coming weeks.