Gainesville mayor weighs in on property tax proposal: ‘Not a good idea’

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - Florida voters could soon decide whether to reduce or eliminate property taxes statewide.

Supporters say the proposal would provide financial relief for homeowners, while local leaders in Gainesville warn it could reduce funding for services such as public safety, road maintenance, and parks.

Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward has criticized the plan, arguing it could shift costs to renters and small businesses while creating budget challenges for local governments.

“It is not a good idea,” Ward said. “It might put a few dollars back in the pockets of some taxpayers, but... it shifts tax burden to renters in a big way, shifts tax burden to small business owners because they have no protection in this.”

Voters will have the final say on the proposal during the November election.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has championed the proposal.

Exempting homestead properties from tax would return local property tax revenue to the levels of a few years ago," DeSantis posted on social media. “Taxing and spending less is a good thing.”

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