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What Florida's property tax overhaul could cost local governments

The state House has added three property tax amendments to its calendar for floor votes.

News

Tampa Bay governments stand to lose hundreds of millions in tax collections if property tax changes advancing in the Legislature become law, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.floridapolicy.org/posts/bill-summary-hjr-201-203-205-207-209-211-and-213?mc_cid=c9718583ff&amp;mc_eid=81b69123db" data-vars-content-id="575fd09a-059e-4ac7-ae22-d5afea179106" data-vars-headline="What Florida&#x27;s property tax overhaul could cost local governments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.floridapolicy.org/posts/bill-summary-hjr-201-203-205-207-209-211-and-213?mc_cid=c9718583ff&amp;mc_eid=81b69123db" target="_blank">report</a> by the Florida Policy Institute (FPI).Why it matters: The House has added <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="three of those amendments" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/11/where-property-tax-cuts-other-bills-stand-in-the-florida-legislature" data-vars-content-id="575fd09a-059e-4ac7-ae22-d5afea179106" data-vars-headline="What Florida&#x27;s property tax overhaul could cost local governments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/11/where-property-tax-cuts-other-bills-stand-in-the-florida-legislature" target="_self">three of those amendments</a> to its calendar for floor votes, with HJR 203 up first, on Thursday.

Florida senator's proposal could hinder Manatee cruise port

The proposal would restrict dredging in the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve.

A Florida lawmaker filed legislation to bolster environmental protections of the waters around the site of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposed cruise port" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/28/skyway-cruise-port-rattlesnake-key-manatee-county" data-vars-content-id="d0c025ad-33a6-4f97-b27c-8fceff608b91" data-vars-headline="Florida senator&#x27;s proposal could hinder Manatee cruise port" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/28/skyway-cruise-port-rattlesnake-key-manatee-county" target="_self">proposed cruise port</a> in Manatee County.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/302/Amendment/117522/PDF" data-vars-content-id="d0c025ad-33a6-4f97-b27c-8fceff608b91" data-vars-headline="Florida senator&#x27;s proposal could hinder Manatee cruise port" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/302/Amendment/117522/PDF" target="_blank">proposal</a>, filed Wednesday afternoon by Bradenton Sen. Jim Boyd, could derail plans for the contentious port project, which is planned for a tract of land near the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve.

Florida homebuyers are scoring deals — but prices remain high

Still-high mortgage rates and home prices have sidelined many shoppers. But those who remain in the market are scoring the biggest deals in years.

The average discount for Tampa metro area <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/19/affordable-homes-metro-income" data-vars-content-id="3cc27a5a-d5e1-492e-af79-93885e72426a" data-vars-headline="Florida homebuyers are scoring deals — but prices remain high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/19/affordable-homes-metro-income" target="_self">homes</a> that sold below their original asking price last year was nearly 10%.<ul><li>That&#x27;s one of the largest discounts among major U.S. cities analyzed in a recent Redfin <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.redfin.com/news/homebuyer-discounts-below-list-price-2025/" data-vars-content-id="3cc27a5a-d5e1-492e-af79-93885e72426a" data-vars-headline="Florida homebuyers are scoring deals — but prices remain high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.redfin.com/news/homebuyer-discounts-below-list-price-2025/" target="_blank">report</a>.</li></ul>

Florida lawmakers give no new money to home-hardening grant fund

But homeowners can still apply for the remaining available money.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Florida lawmakers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/06/24/legislature-funds-popular-home-hardening-program" data-vars-content-id="cb019494-8841-4231-b7a6-a87fc0ecd3ef" data-vars-headline="Florida lawmakers give no new money to home-hardening grant fund" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/06/24/legislature-funds-popular-home-hardening-program" target="_self">Florida lawmakers</a> will allocate no additional money toward a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="grant program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/07/03/florida-reopens-hurricane-hardening-grant-how-to-apply" data-vars-content-id="cb019494-8841-4231-b7a6-a87fc0ecd3ef" data-vars-headline="Florida lawmakers give no new money to home-hardening grant fund" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/07/03/florida-reopens-hurricane-hardening-grant-how-to-apply" target="_self">grant program</a> that funds up to $10,000 worth of upgrades to strengthen your home against hurricanes, the Tampa Bay Times <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/02/19/my-safe-florida-home-grant-money-hurricane-windows-doors/" data-vars-content-id="cb019494-8841-4231-b7a6-a87fc0ecd3ef" data-vars-headline="Florida lawmakers give no new money to home-hardening grant fund" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2026/02/19/my-safe-florida-home-grant-money-hurricane-windows-doors/" target="_blank">reported</a>.Why it matters: Gov. Ron DeSantis asked the Legislature to direct another $100 million to the program, which has seen <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high demand" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2024/07/17/officials-no-longer-accepting-my-safe-florida-home-hardening-applications/" data-vars-content-id="cb019494-8841-4231-b7a6-a87fc0ecd3ef" data-vars-headline="Florida lawmakers give no new money to home-hardening grant fund" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2024/07/17/officials-no-longer-accepting-my-safe-florida-home-hardening-applications/" target="_blank">high demand</a>.

Cold-stunned Florida sea turtles recovering in Tampa Bay

Aquariums in Clearwater, Tampa and Sarasota are treating dozens of cold-stunned turtles rescued statewide.

The recent cold snap didn&#x27;t just challenge human Floridians.Why it matters: Wildlife officials, rescue groups and good Samaritans have rescued <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hundreds of cold-stunned sea turtles" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/FWCResearch/posts/over-500-sea-turtles-rescued-statewidecold-stunned-sea-turtle-update-over-the-pa/1352885880205241/" data-vars-content-id="157122be-c807-430d-863b-d7b05f380ca2" data-vars-headline="Cold-stunned Florida sea turtles recovering in Tampa Bay" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/FWCResearch/posts/over-500-sea-turtles-rescued-statewidecold-stunned-sea-turtle-update-over-the-pa/1352885880205241/" target="_blank">hundreds of cold-stunned sea turtles</a> from Florida waterways, and dozens are recovering in Tampa Bay.

Tampa Bay watering limits tighten as Florida drought deepens

Once-a-week watering restrictions are in place across the region.

A drought has taken hold across Florida, with some areas experiencing extreme conditions. Why it matters: Watering restrictions are in place across the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tampa Bay" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay" data-vars-content-id="859f51d0-b303-460e-bca9-762c829410cc" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay watering limits tighten as Florida drought deepens" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay" target="_self">Tampa Bay</a> area as an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ongoing rainfall deficit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2026/01/28/drought-water-shortage-watering-restrictions-pinellas-hillsborough/" data-vars-content-id="859f51d0-b303-460e-bca9-762c829410cc" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay watering limits tighten as Florida drought deepens" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2026/01/28/drought-water-shortage-watering-restrictions-pinellas-hillsborough/" target="_blank">ongoing rainfall deficit</a> tests supply.

What cold fronts mean for hurricane season

Hurricanes can and do form in October and November.

Climate

A cold front swept through Tampa Bay over the weekend, knocking daytime highs into the mid-80s and nighttime lows into the upper 60s.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the first breath of autumn and a welcome break from the heat — but, as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tampa Bay Times" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2025/10/07/tampa-weather-cold-front-weekend-hurricane-forecast/" data-vars-content-id="fad9f256-97f9-48ed-b279-46c89e7a3b09" data-vars-headline="What cold fronts mean for hurricane season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2025/10/07/tampa-weather-cold-front-weekend-hurricane-forecast/" target="_blank">Tampa Bay Times</a> put it, &quot;we&#x27;re not out of the hurricane woods, yet.&quot;

Energy-related CO2 emissions are falling in Florida

Energy-related CO2 emissions per capita fell in every U.S. state from 2005 to 2023, per federal data.

Energy-related <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CO2 emissions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/05/fossil-fuel-emissions-world-biggest-emitters" data-vars-content-id="062d3071-d284-4148-a3e8-db03bc3c3977" data-vars-headline="Energy-related CO2 emissions are falling in Florida" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/05/fossil-fuel-emissions-world-biggest-emitters" target="_self">CO2 emissions</a> per capita fell in every U.S. state from 2005 to 2023, per federal data.<ul><li>That was largely because we burned less coal and more natural gas (which emits less CO2 comparatively), but wind and solar also played their part.</li></ul>

Climate change will cost Tampa Bay billions per year by 2050

Helene and Milton showed the devastating potential for future storm seasons.

Tampa Bay is facing billions of dollars in yearly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="property damage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/09/uninsurable-america-is-growing-closer" data-vars-content-id="139107a5-0ce4-416a-9d38-20947b2d821d" data-vars-headline="Climate change will cost Tampa Bay billions per year by 2050" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/09/uninsurable-america-is-growing-closer" target="_self">property damage</a> by 2050 due to extreme weather tied to climate change, per a new analysis.Why it matters: Even as the region reckons with the aftermath of hurricanes Helene and Milton last year, more pain and loss seem inevitable.

Good for freaking you, rest of the East Coast

Remember us while you frolic outside in your 60-degree mornings.

A cold front may bring an early taste of fall to much of the Eastern U.S. later this week, Alex Fitzpatrick writes.Key words: &quot;much of.&quot;

Hurricane Ian documentary brings lessons learned to Tampa Bay

Four free screenings are planned in Tampa and St. Pete.

A documentary chronicling <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hurricane Ian" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/10/07/hurricane-ian-deadliest-florida" data-vars-content-id="cd30bc25-28fb-4c1f-9718-d278f2998c30" data-vars-headline="Hurricane Ian documentary brings lessons learned to Tampa Bay" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/10/07/hurricane-ian-deadliest-florida" target="_self">Hurricane Ian</a>&#x27;s lasting impact on Southwest Florida is the subject of a free community screening series that kicks off Thursday.Why it matters: We in Tampa Bay have a lot to learn from Ian survivors, who are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="still picking up the pieces" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLcngDMVEaM" data-vars-content-id="cd30bc25-28fb-4c1f-9718-d278f2998c30" data-vars-headline="Hurricane Ian documentary brings lessons learned to Tampa Bay" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLcngDMVEaM" target="_blank">still picking up the pieces</a> nearly three years after the storm slammed into the Fort Myers area as a Category 4.

Tampa hits record 100 degrees

The sea breeze usually cools things down before temperatures hit the triple digits.

Tampa temperatures hit triple digits Sunday for the first time in recorded history, the National Weather Service <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="said" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/NWSTampaBay/status/1949558116313702549" data-vars-content-id="eea0e332-4f16-48ca-a38e-4f5e1b11148d" data-vars-headline="Tampa hits record 100 degrees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/NWSTampaBay/status/1949558116313702549" target="_blank">said</a>.Why it matters: Extreme heat will continue into Tuesday, with a heat advisory in effect from noon until 7pm for much of the Tampa Bay area. The &quot;feels-like&quot; temperature will hit 113 degrees.

Rivers can fuel hurricanes, new USF study finds

The finding underscores the need to factor rivers into hurricane forecasts.

A new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="study" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usf.edu/marine-science/news/2025/how-rivers-fuel-hurricanes-and-how-that-knowledge-can-improve-forecasts.aspx" data-vars-content-id="2bf632cb-c0b0-4ab1-bb1a-c1aaa3779a60" data-vars-headline="Rivers can fuel hurricanes, new USF study finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usf.edu/marine-science/news/2025/how-rivers-fuel-hurricanes-and-how-that-knowledge-can-improve-forecasts.aspx" target="_blank">study</a> from the University of South Florida finds that freshwater from nearby rivers can help supercharge hurricanes.Why it matters: The findings add to growing evidence that river plumes can exacerbate coastal storms, underscoring the need to incorporate them into hurricane forecasts.

Hillsborough moves to ax housing fund used after Milton as hurricane season looms

The fund remains one of the few county lifelines for residents left homeless by natural disasters.

Hillsborough County wants to scrap an affordable <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing fund" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/10/22/hillsborough-tampa-milton-aid-affordable-housing-fund" data-vars-content-id="8eed7d1f-6899-4ea4-b2d5-cd41c31503b9" data-vars-headline="Hillsborough moves to ax housing fund used after Milton as hurricane season looms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/10/22/hillsborough-tampa-milton-aid-affordable-housing-fund" target="_self">housing fund</a> it relied on to help those Hurricane Milton displaced.Why it matters: The HOPE trust fund remains one of the county&#x27;s few lifelines for residents left homeless by natural disasters, and Republican commissioners want to ax it ahead of hurricane season this year.

Climate 🌿

Cold-stunned Florida sea turtles recovering in Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay watering limits tighten as Florida drought deepens

What cold fronts mean for hurricane season

Energy-related CO2 emissions are falling in Florida

Climate change will cost Tampa Bay billions per year by 2050