State delegation warns property-tax overhaul could shrink local budgets; rep. Joseph outlines impacts

At the July 9 meeting of the Village of Biscayne Park commission, state Representative Dottie Joseph (on Zoom) summarized key outcomes of the 2026 legislative session and warned that a property-tax overhaul heading to the November ballot could significantly reduce local government revenues.

Joseph told commissioners the session produced a mix of bills that municipalities will need to implement, and singled out one measure that would “take away property taxes” and move funding authority to the state. She cited Miami-Dade County estimates that the proposal could cause a first-year revenue loss of “approximately 385,800,000 in 2027 and 696,700,000 by 2028,” and said the measure reserves protections for schools but leaves many other services potentially vulnerable.

Joseph also said a septic-to-sewer master-plan for roughly 1,200 homes in Biscayne Park had been included in the session’s budget but was later vetoed by the governor. She encouraged local officials to pursue targeted tax relief for low-income households, seniors and veterans rather than broad cuts that could imperil local services.

Commissioners asked about timing and legal challenges; Joseph and David (the presenter) recommended waiting for the outcome of ongoing lawsuits and for more detailed local impact figures before launching formal outreach. "Once you know that, then you can gauge, okay. What are our options?" Joseph said, urging the village manager to work with county and regional partners to assemble clear scenarios for residents.

Next steps: commissioners directed staff to ask the finance director to prepare impact scenarios and to consider a public forum once more detailed figures are available and litigation outcomes are clearer.