Florida has a proven formula. And it works.
This balance—the Florida Formula—delivers exceptional value to residents. It ensures efficient government, reasonable taxes, and effective community services.
Cities are at the heart of Florida’s success, delivering essential services such as clean water, safe neighborhoods, emergency response, and waste collection. These services aren’t political; they’re fundamental, funded locally and managed transparently by leaders closest to the people.
Low Taxes.
Voter-approved property tax protections.
Limited regulation.
Local accountability.
Florida is one of the most tax-efficient states in the country.
Source: WALLETHUB, MARCH 2025
Florida's average property tax rate is about half that of Texas.
Source: Texas Score Card, October 2024
Understanding Municipal Property Taxes
Why It Matters
Property taxes are how cities fund the services people count on—law enforcement, waste collection, road repair, emergency response, and more. Unlike other revenue sources, they stay in the community where they’re raised, giving residents a strong say in how dollars are spent. That’s the Florida way—and it works.
What is a millage rate?
It’s the tax rate applied to every $1,000 of taxable property value. A millage rate of 5.2 means $5.20 in city taxes for every $1,000 of assessed value.
Who sets it?
Your local city commission does—through public hearings and an open budget process. Decisions are made close to home, not by faraway politicians.
What affects your property tax bill?
- Assessed Value – Set by the county appraiser based on market value.
- Exemptions – Homestead and other exemptions reduce your taxable value.
- Assessment Caps – Save Our Homes caps growth for full-time residents.
- Millage Rate – Chosen annually by your local government to meet community needs.
What does it pay for?
City property taxes fund local essentials—services that protect safety, maintain infrastructure, and preserve quality of life. These include:
- Police and fire departments
- Street and sidewalk maintenance
- Waste and water services
- Parks and public spaces
- Neighborhood-based services
Can I lower my property tax bill?
Yes. Here’s how:
- Apply for exemptions like the homestead exemption.
- Review your assessed value—appeal if it’s inaccurate.
- Attend public budget hearings and make your voice heard.
Balanced Budgets, Lower Millage, Smarter Spending
Florida’s cities have a proven record of fiscal responsibility. While the cost of services has gone up, many cities have kept millage rates steady—or even lowered them—without sacrificing essential services. Local leaders are delivering smart, efficient government close to home.
Statewide, here’s how a dollar breaks down across core services
34.9 cents go to the county
$19,256,830,818
15.7 cents to the municipality
$8,671,955,841
38.9 cents to the school district
$21,481,626,417
10.5 cents to other & special districts
$5,765,564,310
Protecting Our Communities Starts at Home
Public safety—police, fire, and emergency response—makes up over half of Florida city budgets on average, funded largely by local property taxes. State law caps how much your property taxes can increase each year, but there’s no cap on what cities pay for the vehicles, fuel, gear, and training needed to keep you safe. Since COVID, those costs have surged—yet cities on average have kept taxes stable and services strong. Slashing property taxes would only make it harder to meet rising costs without cutting essential services or raising other fees. Public safety works best when funding stays local, transparent, and accountable.
On average, Florida cities spend more on public safety than they take in from property taxes.
Florida's Tax System Protects Full-Time Residents
Save Our Homes Approved
Florida voters approved Save Our Homes to protect full-time residents from sudden, unpredictable property tax hikes.
Caps Assessments
This constitutional amendment caps annual assessment increases on homesteaded properties at 3% or the rate of inflation—whichever is lower—no matter how quickly market prices rise.
It’s Working
Property taxes on homesteaded homes have remained stable, even as home prices have soared.
Safeguarding Your Investment
That cap creates a buffer between “just value” (market-based) and “taxable value” (used to calculate your tax bill). It’s not a loophole—it’s a safeguard. And it’s working.
Rising Costs
Meanwhile, costs like insurance have surged—home insurance premiums in Florida have more than doubled since 2019.
Largest Tax Cut in Florida
In 2024 alone, Florida homeowners saved over 312 billion on their taxes thanks to the Homestead Exemption and Save Our Homes.
Protect What Works
Most politicians opposed Save Our Homes. Now, they want to replace it. You know what that means: YOUR taxes will probably go up, so special interests and snowbirds can get a cut.
Rising Homeowner’s Insurance Premiums
Florida’s Real Cost Driver
Skyrocketing homeowner’s insurance premiums—not property taxes—are driving Florida’s affordability crisis. In three years, average homeowner premiums doubled and are now triple the national average. Meanwhile, property taxes remain stable, with homesteaded properties capped at 3% annual growth.
1/4/24
“According to the Insurance Information Institute, homeowner’s insurance has increased 102% in the last three years in Florida and costs three times more than the national average.”
Source: Fox13News, 1/4/24
State Government's Spending Growth
State Spending Surges 62% While Local Tax Rates Capped at 3%
Over the past two decades, Florida’s state budget has experienced significant growth, increasing from approximately $72 billion in FY 2007 to $116.5 billion in FY 2025—a rise of over 61%. floridapolicy.org
In contrast, local governments have demonstrated fiscal restraint. While Tallahassee’s spending has surged, local governments have maintained steady property tax rates, ensuring that essential services are delivered efficiently without overburdening residents.
Property Tax: Myths vs. Facts
Myth:
Eliminating property taxes will lower costs for everyday Floridians.
Fact:
It won’t be a tax cut—it’ll be a tax shift. And you know what that means: Wealthy landowners and out-of-state property owners would benefit most, while working families will pay more, whether that be through higher sales taxes or hidden fees.
Myth:
Scrapping property taxes won’t impact essential services.
Fact:
Services like public safety, parks, and clean water depend on stable, local funding. Eliminating property taxes threatens the things that make Florida a great place to live.
Myth:
This plan gives communities more control over their future.
Fact:
It does the opposite. It centralizes power in Tallahassee, giving special interests more say while everyday residents lose their voice.
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Get Involved, Stay Local
Help protect the Florida Formula by standing up for local decision-making.
Here’s how you can get involved:
As discussions about property taxes and funding move forward, this educational information offers clear facts, context, and resources to help Floridians understand how local government works—and why keeping decisions close to home matters more than ever.