A lawsuit filed in Leon County Circuit Court challenges the property tax cut amendment placed on the November ballot by lawmakers, alleging it is misleading. The group, Save Our Voters From Misleading Ballot Language, and two former local elected officials, Thomas Campenni and Michael Davey, claim the ballot measure would deceive voters.

Concerns Over Ballot Language

The lawsuit states that the ballot summary endorses the amendment rather than explaining what it does. It claims the phrase ‘ensuring funding for core services’ is a misnomer, as the proposed amendment would drastically cut property tax revenues. The lawsuit also takes issue with the phrase ‘protecting small businesses,’ as there is no provision that marks such businesses out for special treatment.

The proposed amendment, which seeks to increase the existing $50,000 tax exemption for homestead properties to $150,000 in 2027 and to $250,000 in 2028, has been met with criticism from city and county officials across the state. They warn that if voters approve it, their budgets and the services they provide to residents will suffer.

Impact on Local Governments

According to a House staff analysis, the measure could cost local governments $8.4 billion per year if it gets the necessary 60 percent support from voters to pass into law. Lawmakers passed the measure after it was drafted by DeSantis’ office, with GOP leaders amending it to exempt taxes levied to fund schools.

Original reporting: Jacksonville Today — read the source article.