What you want to know about Florida’s controversial property tax idea on the official 2026 ballot.
Voters in Florida will decide on an amendment this November that would significantly increase the homestead exemption, potentially eliminating non-school property taxes and providing savings for long-term residents. However, this change is expected to create “crushing deficits” for local governments, which rely on property taxes to fund essential services like law enforcement and fire protection. Furthermore, a clause requiring five years of residency to receive the new, additional exemptions would place a “heavier load” of increased taxes on active-duty military members and other new residents in the short term, as local governments may be forced to raise millage rates to offset revenue loss.
Cities Across Florida Brace for New Property Tax Fight
Florida cities are warning lawmakers that Governor Ron DeSantis’ proposed property tax overhaul could dramatically impact local services and municipal budgets statewide.
Major Breakthrough in the 2022 Okaloosa County Murder Case
A Felony Minute Sheet signed May 14, 2026, confirms that Isaiah Lamar Luna entered a nolo contendere plea in a 3rd degree felony murder case and was sentenced to 20 years in the Florida Department of Corrections.
Inside Gaetz and DeSantis’s Redistricting Plan for Florida
Florida lawmakers are heading into a rare mid-decade special session to redraw the state’s congressional map after explosive population growth — but State Sen. Don Gaetz says Northwest Florida’s Districts 1 and 2 are likely to remain unchanged as the focus shifts to booming Central and South Florida.
A Major Milestone for Liza Jackson Park: $3.1M Approved
Fort Walton Beach is moving forward with long-awaited upgrades to Liza Jackson Park, approving a $3.1 million project focused on parking, drainage, and amenities.
Big Funding Boost from Ingoglia for Panhandle Immigration Enforcement
Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia awarded nearly $1.4 million to Panhandle sheriff’s offices to support immigration enforcement partnerships.
This Bombshell Ruling Could End Red Light Cameras in Florida
A Broward County judge has dismissed a red-light camera ticket and ruled that part of Florida’s automated traffic enforcement law violates constitutional due process protections.
The Clock is Ticking For Okaloosa Commissioners on Infrastructure Surtax
Okaloosa commissioners are preparing to ask voters whether to extend the county’s half-cent infrastructure surtax before it expires in 2028.
English – the (ONLY) Language for Florida Driver’s Exams
Florida has officially moved to English-only driver’s license exams, eliminating translation services statewide and affecting all applicants, including non-citizens and visa holders.
Florida Rolls Out New Driver License Exam Standards Statewide
Florida Rolls Out New Driver License Exam Standards Statewide Staff Reports February 2, 2026 1:20 pm Florida, State Government In Brief: 👤 Who: Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) 📢 What: English-only driver license testing policy 📅 When: Begins Friday, Feb. 6 📍 Where: All Florida driver license testing locations statewide 🚦 […]
