Reforming Florida’s Homestead Property Taxes

🏡 Homestead Tax Reform: What It Means for Palm Coast Homeowners

Florida lawmakers are weighing major changes to how homestead property taxes work—and the outcome could reshape life for thousands of Palm Coast residents, especially seniors living on fixed incomes. With multiple proposals on the table, now’s the time for our community to speak up.

💡 Why This Matters in Palm Coast

Property taxes fund essential services right here in Flagler County—schools, fire departments, libraries, road maintenance, and more. But for longtime homeowners, especially those over 65, rising tax bills can feel like punishment for staying put.

Palm Coast has a large senior population, many of whom bought their homes decades ago. As property values climb, so do assessments—and for those living on Social Security or retirement savings, that can mean tough choices. 🧾 What’s on the Table

Lawmakers are considering three main options:

1. Full Property Tax Exemption for Seniors (65+)

This proposal would eliminate all ad valorem taxes—including county and city levies—for seniors. If passed, eligible Palm Coast residents wouldn’t pay property taxes on their primary home.

Pros
- Major relief for seniors
- Could prevent forced sales or financial strain

Cons:
- Huge revenue loss for Flagler County and Palm Coast
- Could impact services like emergency response, parks, and road repairs
- Might require higher taxes elsewhere or state subsidies

 2. Eliminate Non-School Property Taxes on Homesteads

This plan would keep school taxes intact but remove city, county, and special district taxes from primary residences.

Pros:
- Preserves funding for Flagler schools
- Reduces burden without wiping out all revenue

Cons:
- Still cuts funding for local services like fire, police, and libraries
- Could shift costs to renters or commercial properties

 3. Enhanced Exemptions or “Lock-In” for Seniors**

This more moderate approach includes:
- Freezing the assessed value of a home when the owner turns 65
- Increasing the homestead exemption beyond $50,000
- Offering relief based on income or home value

Pros:
- Targets help to those who need it most
- Easier to phase in without destabilizing budgets

**Cons:**
- May be complex to administer
- Relief varies widely depending on home value and income

🧭 What Palm Coast Residents Should Consider

Before choosing a side, think about:

Fairness Will relief go to modest homes or million-dollar properties? Should income matter?
- **Local Impact**: What services are you least willing to lose—library hours, road repairs, emergency response?
- **Long-Term Effects**: Will this help future homeowners or shift burdens to younger families?
- **Implementation**: Can Flagler County realistically manage these changes without confusion or loopholes?

 📣 Your Voice Matters

Palm Coast Local wants to hear from you. Which proposal do you support—and why? Should relief be universal or targeted? Would you accept higher sales taxes to protect local services?

Drop your thoughts in the comments, share with your neighbors, or send us a message. This isn’t just a state issue—it’s a Palm Coast issue. Let’s shape the future of our town together.