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Senate President Albritton releases $2.1B tax relief bill

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2 weeks ago

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floridaphoenix.com – Christine Sexton – 2025-04-14 14:55:00

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix
April 14, 2025

Senate President Ben Albritton laid out a $2.1 billion tax relief bill (SB 7034) Monday that, if passed by the Legislature, would direct Florida’s top government economists to delve into the financial implications of permanently reducing property taxes.

The reduction is significantly less than the near-$5 billion House Speaker Daniel Perez has pushed for through a reduction in the sales tax rate paid on goods and services (HB 7031) and the $5 billion Gov. Ron DeSantis wants to give Florida homeowners in the form of $1,000 in property tax rebates.

Of the $2.1 billion reduction proposed by the Senate, nearly $947 million would be permanent, a staff analysis shows. One Albritton target is the sales tax on clothing and shoes priced at $75 or less.

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The bill directs the Office of Economic and Demographic Research to conduct a study to establish a framework to reduce, or eliminate taxes for homesteaded property. The report on accomplishing those goals would be submitted to legislative leadership by Nov. 1.

The study must include at least: 

An analysis of the potential impact of eliminating property taxes on public services, including education, infrastructure, public safety, and emergency services.An assessment of potential housing market fluctuations, including changes in homeownership rates and property values.An analysis of consumer behavior regarding home improvements that now result in property tax increases, including elevating homes in flood-prone areas, adding a mother-in-law suite, etc., and whether reducing or eliminating property taxes would change consumer behavior leading to an increase in resiliency.

The findings would help inform the Legislature about how to “craft a constitutional amendment for voters to consider during the next General Election.”

An example of a nonrecurring tax relief would be a one-time credit for the annual license tax tag fees associated with annual vehicle registrations.

The credit would apply to new registrations issued on or after July 1, 2025, and existing registrations that expire after Sept.  30, 2025. The credit would be available until October 2027, to ensure residents who purchase registrations before the tax credit takes effect and those who purchase two-year registrations can take advantage of the opportunity.

Another example of a nonrecurring sales tax is the newly created tax holiday for hunting season between Sept. 8 and Dec. 31, when enthusiasts can save on “ammunition firearms, bows, crossbows, and related accessories,” according to a press release announcing the details of the tax package.

The Florida Senate Committee on Finance and Tax is set to consider the proposed tax package Tuesday afternoon.

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Florida Phoenix is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Florida Phoenix maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Michael Moline for questions: info@floridaphoenix.com.

The post Senate President Albritton releases $2.1B tax relief bill appeared first on floridaphoenix.com

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Florida woman accused of setting fires during burn ban

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2 hours ago

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April 25, 2025

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Florida woman accused of setting fires during burn ban

www.youtube.com – FOX 35 Orlando – 2025-04-25 08:32:38

SUMMARY: A Florida woman, Amanda Clark, was arrested for allegedly starting multiple fires during a burn ban. While the Forest Service was working to contain an existing fire near Oberry Hoover Drive, a worker witnessed Clark igniting new flames and instructed her to stop, but she continued. A nearby resident called 911 after seeing heavy smoke. Concerns grew in Palm Bay as additional fires emerged, prompting police to monitor the area. Assistant Fire Chief John Ringleb noted that multiple smoke columns appeared too dispersed to be linked. Palm Bay has since implemented a burn ban and plans to enforce it.

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A woman was arrested Wednesday in Orange County for allegedly setting multiple fires during an active burn ban, according to deputies. Forestry officials say they witnessed Amanda Clark starting fires near a residence and recorded video evidence before she was taken into custody. She was booked into the Orange County Jail on charges of unlawful land burning, with bond set at $2,500. Her initial court appearance is scheduled for Thursday afternoon.

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South Florida Weather for Thursday 4/24/2025 12PM

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23 hours ago

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April 24, 2025

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South Florida Weather for Thursday 4/24/2025 12PM

www.youtube.com – CBS Miami – 2025-04-24 11:34:40

SUMMARY: On Thursday, April 24, 2025, South Florida will experience warm temperatures in the low to mid-80s, accompanied by east winds leading to rough surf and a high risk of rip currents. While the weather radar is mostly dry, isolated showers are possible. Tonight’s Lexus Corporate Run in downtown Miami will feature CBS Miami’s meteorologists, including Ivan Cabera and Lauren Pastron. Safety alerts recommend avoiding ocean swimming due to rip currents. This weekend, the Miami Takes Steps event at Riata Park will support the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, with pleasant weather conditions expected. Overall, highs will remain in the low 80s with minimal rain chances.

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NEXT Weather meteorologist Lissette Gonzalez says Thursday afternoon will remain partly cloudy and breezy.

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Ukraine’s Zelenskyy arrives in South Africa for state visit following Trump’s renewed criticism

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1 day ago

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April 24, 2025

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www.news4jax.com – Associated Press – 2025-04-24 02:02:00

SUMMARY: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in South Africa for a state visit amid accusations from U.S. President Donald Trump that Zelenskyy is prolonging the war by rejecting a peace deal involving Ukrainian territory. While Zelenskyy traveled, a Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv killed nine people and injured 63. Peace talks have stalled, with limited progress made during discussions in London. Zelenskyy will meet with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who has sought to mediate the conflict, although his efforts have had little success. Zelenskyy questioned Russia’s commitment to peace after a failed ceasefire attempt.

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