Florida families are at a breaking point. Skyrocketing property taxes, driven by home valuations that have surged over 60% in some counties since 2019, are squeezing homeowners — particularly seniors, retirees, and families on fixed incomes. Even renters are bearing the brunt of unprecedented rising property values as landlords pass on tax increases. The American Dream of homeownership is slipping out of reach, and Floridians have had enough.
Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Republican-led Florida Legislature have responded with bold proposals, including $1,000 rebate checks and a Select Committee on Property Taxes to explore transformative reforms, such as eliminating homestead property taxes entirely. While these long-term solutions are promising, immediate relief is critical. Local governments, particularly county commissions, hold a powerful tool to deliver it: the rollback rate.
The rollback rate is a common-sense solution that is straightforward and effective. It adjusts millage rates to offset rising property values, ensuring local governments collect the same revenue as the previous year without imposing automatic tax hikes on homeowners. This approach maintains funding for essential services like law enforcement, schools, and infrastructure while curbing wasteful spending and bloated budgets.
For too long, local governments have reaped windfalls from soaring property assessments, with some counties seeing tax revenue increases of 50% or more. These funds have often fueled bureaucracy and pet projects rather than addressing taxpayers’ needs. The Republican Party of Florida’s #RollbackNOW campaign demands that local officials adopt the rollback rate to provide immediate relief and protect homeowners from market-driven tax increases beyond their control.
Adopting the rollback rate is not just a fiscal decision, it’s a moral one. Local governments must prioritize homeowners over government excess. Across Florida, county commissions have the opportunity to lead by example, showing constituents, they value fiscal responsibility and the well-being of their communities.
Beyond the rollback rate, local officials should engage with residents and advocate for comprehensive reforms alongside the state’s Select Committee on Property Taxes. Proposals like additional homestead exemptions or voter referendums to eliminate homestead taxes deserve robust community discussion. By preparing their communities for these conversations, local leaders can amplify the push for lasting relief.
To local elected officials: the power to act is in your hands. Florida families are watching, and they demand leaders who fight for them, not for bigger government. Follow the lead of Gov. DeSantis and the Legislature — adopt the rollback rate, cut waste, and listen to your constituents. Show the courage to prioritize fundamental spending on law enforcement, schools, and infrastructure over bureaucratic expansion.
The #RollbackNOW movement is about action, accountability, and results. It’s about ensuring every level of government — state, county, and city — works together to preserve the American Dream. Local governments are the frontline of this fight. By starting with the rollback rate, they can help build a future where every Floridian can afford to call our great state home.
Evan Power is the Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Don’t wait on state leaders. Floridians demand property tax relief – start local | Opinion
Reporting by Evan Power / Palm Beach Post
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