Miramar would be affected by possible property tax cut. How city is addressing it
Miramar officials have opinions on Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposal to cut property taxes, but speaking out is not easy.
According to city attorney Norman Powell, Florida law prohibits the mayor and commissioners from using city money to oppose the bill.
“It does not stop the commission from adopting a resolution opposing it. It does not stop the commission from having workshops,” Powell said at the City Commission meeting on Wednesday, June 3.
The commissioners still maintain their First Amendment right, which Mayor Wayne M. Messam has been exercising to speak on the effects of the bill.
“What it does prohibit … is if a municipality decided to use its website, funding to send mailers, or some type of campaign against the measure,” Powell continued.
Now, Messam is planning informational meetings on challenges the bill might pose, he said.
Voters are faced with a decision in November that could greatly reduce property taxes while creating a hole in the city’s budget that the bill does not necessarily refill.
The goal is to make sure voters are informed once they see their ballot.
Commissioner Avril Cherasard made clear her stance on messaging, saying, “If we skewed in a direction and we now have to live with what we skewed, I would not be comfortable with that … I would really stick specifically to the facts without leaning.”
The city has begun communications with the hashtag #FundedByMyPropertyTax, highlighting the city’s amenities and services.
The bill needs 60% of the vote to pass, as it requires an amendment to the Florida constitution.
If it goes into effect, it will raise the $50,000 homestead exemption on primary residences to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028.
Messam said this would result in a $17 million reduction to Miramar’s general fund in fiscal year 2027 and over $30 million in 2028.
“What really is alarming is … the outlook beyond 2029. Now it starts impacting even our ability to fund public safety,” Messam said.
