Florida Homeowners Deserve Relief Not Fearmongering

6/2/2026

Dear Catalyt,

I am responding to today’s article regarding Florida’s Homestead Tax Elimination Plan and the use of the phrase “welfare counties” in the headline. Such language may be attention-grabbing, but it does little to promote a balanced discussion of a proposal that could provide significant relief to Florida homeowners.

Eliminating property taxes on homesteaded homes will not collapse city services in St. Petersburg. I really wish our city leaders would read the Governors/Legislatures homestead tax elimination plan instead of fearmongering. We need the facts not the fear.
Homestead properties make up only about 30% of the local property tax base. The other 70% is from businesses, commercial properties, Airbnbs, rental properties, and second homes which would remain in place. Florida also has significant reserves available to help manage any transition per Governors DeSantis plan and he directly told the city leaders about the State grant money allocated for the transition years.

The real issue isn’t lost revenue that Driskill is talking about, its years of unchecked spending and a lack of accountability. The Florida CFO’s audit identified millions in questionable and excessive spending in a single budget cycle, while the city’s budget increased by more than $130 million despite relatively modest population growth of 11,600 over 6 years.
What is particularly frustrating is that city leaders were quick to dismiss the audit as a political attack rather than openly addressing the findings and explaining them to taxpayers. Our tax dollars are not a political issue. They are hard-earned money taken from residents and homeowners who deserve transparency, facts, and responsible stewardship.

Instead of fearmongering about potential cuts to services, city officials should focus on eliminating waste, prioritizing critical infrastructure, addressing flooding and sewer issues, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.

For years, St. Petersburg homeowners have carried a growing tax burden while government spending and utility costs have continued to climb. This proposal offers an opportunity to provide meaningful tax relief, restore fiscal discipline, and ensure local government is focused on delivering essential services efficiently and responsibly.

It is also an opportunity for city leaders to show that they stand with the residents who fund this city every day. Homeowners should not feel as though they come second to large development interests. The people who live here, raise families here, and invest in their neighborhoods deserve to be the first priority.

Taxpayers deserve honest answers, responsible budgeting, and a government that works for the people who fund it.

Warm regards,

Mary Kovacs
St. Pete