Jane Castor warns property tax changes could mean ‘brutal choices’ for Tampa budget

She estimated the amendment would cut at least $35M in city property tax revenue in 2028 and at least $60M in 2029.

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Tampa Mayor Jane Castor is warning voters that a proposed constitutional amendment raising the homestead property tax exemption could force the city into painful budget choices that include impact to first responders.

In her weekly newsletter to residents, Castor urged voters to study the amendment before the November election and said the proposal threatens revenue Tampa relies on for police, fire, parks, roads, permitting, code enforcement and other city services.

“Please do your homework before making a decision. This plan stands to have a tangible impact on the quality of life that has made Tampa one of America’s most exciting and appealing cities,” Castor wrote.

The proposed constitutional amendment, approved by state lawmakers for the November ballot, would increase the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. It would need approval from 60% of voters to take effect.

Castor said property taxes brought in $380 million for Tampa’s 2026 budget, but argues that the money does not cover the city’s police and fire budgets as things stand today. She estimated the amendment would cut at least $35 million in city property tax revenue in 2028 and at least $60 million in 2029.

The Mayor said that in Tampa, the issue is directly linked to public safety, noting that Tampa has added more than 100 firefighters and 60 police officers since 2019. She also said crime is down more than 20% over that span, arguing that those gains are connected to staffing levels.

“Public safety isn’t optional,” Castor said.

The warning adds Tampa to the growing list of local governments sounding alarms over the potential fallout from the state’s property tax push.

Supporters of the proposal argue it would provide needed relief to homeowners facing higher housing costs, insurance premiums and tax bills. But local officials have warned that reducing property tax collections could shift the burden elsewhere or force cuts to basic services.

Castor raised that concern directly, asking whether the city would have to cut recreation programs or start charging businesses and tax-exempt property owners public safety fees to avoid service reductions.

“Your City Council members and I already make hard budget choices every year, but this proposal could turn those into brutal choices,” Castor said. “Do we slash recreation programs? Do we need to start charging businesses and tax-exempt property owners public safety fees to avoid cutting services? How much will the burden of funding basic government services shift toward renters and businesses?”