“What we’re doing here is taking a look at the spectrum of property owners who are paying into the system and trying to find a band of where we can attach an additional homestead exemption that will most broadly affect the middle class in our state,” said Senate sponsor Tom Lee, R-Thonotosassa.
The proposal is part of a series of tax breaks the House approved Wednesday, with the proposals also including a nearly $300 million tax-cut package. The Senate Appropriations Committee is scheduled to take up that package (HB 7109) on Monday.
The Senate quickly moved Friday to position the proposed constitutional amendment for a vote. Senate Democrats expressed opposition to the proposal, but they have yet to take a caucus position on it.
Sen. Jeff Clemens, D-Lake Worth, said the proposed amendment “exacerbates” an already uneven property-tax system in the state.
Also, Fort Lauderdale Democrat Perry Thurston said he couldn’t support the measure because voters will approve the amendment without understanding potential consequences, such as impacts on parks, library services, law enforcement and fire protection.
