Monroe County residents will have an opportunity to learn more about a proposed Florida property tax amendment during a public workshop scheduled for Tuesday, October 20, in Marathon.
Monroe County Commissioner Jim Scholl joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about what’s going on in the county.
County staff will provide information about Amendment Three, a proposal that will appear on the November 3 general election ballot.
The workshop will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Marathon Government Center. Residents will also be able to participate through Zoom.
Scholl said the workshop is intended to help residents understand the potential effects of the amendment and what it could mean for county and municipal services.
“It’s very important that the citizens in the state of Florida get good information, fact-based information on what the intent is and what the ramifications will be if it passes,” Scholl said.
The proposal would increase the homestead exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 in the first year, followed by an increase to $250,000 in the second year. However, Scholl emphasized that the exemption would apply only to certain portions of property taxes.
“The school portion of the taxes will not be impacted by the homestead exemption,” Scholl said, explaining that the proposed changes would affect the portion of property taxes supporting municipal government operations.
Scholl noted that approximately 21% of Monroe County’s property tax revenue comes from homesteaded properties. He also pointed out that property values in the Keys generally exceed the proposed $250,000 exemption.
As a result, the amendment would not eliminate all property tax revenue for local governments, but it could significantly affect their budgets.
Scholl said potential consequences could include reductions in services or operating hours. Property taxes help fund public safety services, including police, fire and ambulance services, as well as libraries and other government operations.
“We certainly don’t want to cut down on, police, fire, ambulance services,” Scholl said.
The amendment would require approval from 60% of Florida voters. Scholl explained that even if voters approve the measure, additional work would remain, including a special session of the Florida Legislature to determine the enabling legislation needed to implement it.
In addition to discussing the proposed tax changes, Scholl highlighted Monroe County’s upcoming participation in Operation Green Light for Veterans.
From November 4 through November 11, the county will illuminate government buildings in green to show support for military veterans. The nationwide initiative, led by the National Association of Counties, seeks to honor veterans, support them and raise awareness of the challenges they face.
Veterans Day will be observed on Wednesday, November 11.
Scholl also discussed the upcoming Goombay Festival and Fantasy Fest celebrations in Key West. Goombay is scheduled to begin Friday, October 16, and continue through Saturday, October 17, with festivities taking place along Petronia Street and extending to Emma Street.
Fantasy Fest activities will continue throughout the following week, culminating in the festival’s signature parade on Saturday night. The annual Locals Parade is scheduled for Friday.
Scholl said the celebrations bring a busy stretch of activity to Key West, with public safety and coordination among local agencies remaining important considerations.
Scholl also reflected on the 60th anniversary of the Military Affairs Committee, which was celebrated Wednesday at the Harry S. Truman Little White House.
The committee was established by local business leaders seeking to strengthen relationships between the military and the Key West community. Scholl said the organization has worked to highlight the military’s economic and community contributions, dating back to the establishment of a Navy presence in Key West in 1823.
The committee includes approximately 50 members representing local businesses and organizations. Scholl, a former commanding officer of Naval Air Station Key West and former Key West city manager, said he has been involved with the organization throughout his time in the community.
Scholl also noted that the U.S. Navy celebrated its 251st birthday with a ball held Sunday at the Opal in downtown Key West.