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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>.

The best and worst new foods at the 2026 Florida State Fair

We made it through 14 of the 32 items highlighted in this year's visitor's guide.

Culture

Axios Tampa Bay set out to try all of the strange, new food and drink choices at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Florida State Fair" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/02/06/florida-state-fair-foods-2025" data-vars-content-id="bdc00e1b-68f4-4e4e-81fa-b4041acce643" data-vars-headline="The best and worst new foods at the 2026 Florida State Fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/02/06/florida-state-fair-foods-2025" target="_self">Florida State Fair</a>.State of play: Kathryn had to sit this one out, so she left my wife, Maya, and me to brave the fair food alone. <ul><li>Our stomachs haven&#x27;t forgiven her.</li></ul>

Rays 2026 promo games: Trop nostalgia, Flappy Boi

The Rays have blessed fans with some fun giveaways.

Sports

A light-up <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tropicana Field" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/03/st-petersburg-gas-plant-proposals" data-vars-content-id="93124dd8-6a8d-42bc-ae9a-bf45d8ad961c" data-vars-headline="Rays 2026 promo games: Trop nostalgia, Flappy Boi" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/03/st-petersburg-gas-plant-proposals" target="_self">Tropicana Field</a> replica? A Devil Rays windbreaker? A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flappy Boi" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/RaysTheRoofTB/status/2021041429892452781?s=20" data-vars-content-id="93124dd8-6a8d-42bc-ae9a-bf45d8ad961c" data-vars-headline="Rays 2026 promo games: Trop nostalgia, Flappy Boi" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/RaysTheRoofTB/status/2021041429892452781?s=20" target="_blank">Flappy Boi</a> bobblehead?!?!<ul><li>The Rays have blessed fans with some fun giveaways for this year&#x27;s promotional games as they make their triumphant <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="return to St. Pete" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/11/13/tampa-bay-rays-st-petersburg-2026-tickets" data-vars-content-id="93124dd8-6a8d-42bc-ae9a-bf45d8ad961c" data-vars-headline="Rays 2026 promo games: Trop nostalgia, Flappy Boi" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/11/13/tampa-bay-rays-st-petersburg-2026-tickets" target="_self">return to St. Pete</a>.</li></ul>

Tom Brady, Florida Man, was born five years ago today

As Seattle prepares to celebrate the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Seahawks&#x27; Super Bowl win" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/09/seattle-seahawks-super-bowl-street-celebration-pioneer-square" data-vars-content-id="676314af-dd4e-4fea-9204-7b829bacfff7" data-vars-headline="Tom Brady, Florida Man, was born five years ago today" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/09/seattle-seahawks-super-bowl-street-celebration-pioneer-square" target="_self">Seahawks&#x27; Super Bowl win</a>, it&#x27;s worth remembering what was solidified five years ago today.<ul><li>Tampa Bay is the GOAT of Super Bowl victory parties, thanks in part to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="GOAT himself" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DUcGDwTgBYQ/" data-vars-content-id="676314af-dd4e-4fea-9204-7b829bacfff7" data-vars-headline="Tom Brady, Florida Man, was born five years ago today" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DUcGDwTgBYQ/" target="_blank">GOAT himself</a>.</li></ul>

Super Bowl, Bad Bunny parties take over Tampa Bay

Bad Bunny or football? We're celebrating both.

Things to Do

Super Bowl weekend is here — or, if you don&#x27;t care about the sports of it all, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bad Bunny" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/29/bad-bunny-super-bowl-2026-headline-performer" data-vars-content-id="0bb2560f-723d-4616-a940-51760d255917" data-vars-headline="Super Bowl, Bad Bunny parties take over Tampa Bay" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/29/bad-bunny-super-bowl-2026-headline-performer" target="_self">Bad Bunny</a> halftime show weekend is here.<ul><li>Here are some local ways to partake in the Big Game festivities:</li></ul>

Tampa weekend events: Film festival, soccer, jazz

Here are a few ways to spend the weekend in and around Tampa.

We&#x27;re halfway to the weekend. <ul><li>Here are a few ways to spend it:</li></ul>

Plant Museum unveils Gasparilla exhibit

The celebration is ingrained in Tampa's history and helped shape its traditions.

The Henry B. Plant Museum unveiled a new exhibit during the weekend exploring the history of Tampa&#x27;s Gasparilla Pirate Fest.Why it matters: The annual celebration is ingrained in Tampa&#x27;s history and helped shape many of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="traditions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/01/27/gasparilla-pirate-fest-history-costumes" data-vars-content-id="d05e3b04-f289-4e80-baea-8e971233ffb6" data-vars-headline="Plant Museum unveils Gasparilla exhibit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/01/27/gasparilla-pirate-fest-history-costumes" target="_self">traditions</a> that define the city.

Poll: Axios readers support Hillsborough College as next Rays stadium site

Two-thirds say Hillsborough College is a good choice for the Rays' new stadium.

We asked, and you answered: Two-thirds of those who <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="responded to our poll" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/20/hillsborough-college-new-rays-baseball-stadium" data-vars-content-id="4ff2766d-1ef5-4242-a9d3-d6df103ecf93" data-vars-headline="Poll: Axios readers support Hillsborough College as next Rays stadium site" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/20/hillsborough-college-new-rays-baseball-stadium" target="_self">responded to our poll</a> say Hillsborough College is a good choice for the Tampa Bay Rays&#x27; new stadium.Why it matters: With tax dollars potentially on the line, where the Rays play next is more than a baseball decision.

Children's Gasparilla: Road closures and schedule

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Children&#x27;s Gasparilla Parade" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2022/01/13/getting-the-scoop-on-the-gasparilla-pirate-festival" data-vars-content-id="67abd329-3f3f-46dc-a034-627155b5af90" data-vars-headline="Children&#x27;s Gasparilla: Road closures and schedule" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2022/01/13/getting-the-scoop-on-the-gasparilla-pirate-festival" target="_self">Children&#x27;s Gasparilla Parade</a> is Saturday, which means Tampeños should be aware of a few things:<ul><li>Road closures, loud noises and cute kids in pirate costumes. </li></ul>

"Heated Rivalry" craze fills Tampa Bay library waitlists

You might have to wait to borrow the book behind the wildly popular TV show.

The &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Heated Rivalry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/13/heated-rivalry-tampa-bay-florida-clearwater-beach" data-vars-content-id="9ebed618-3568-4ea9-9bda-cde5f8afcf93" data-vars-headline="&quot;Heated Rivalry&quot; craze fills Tampa Bay library waitlists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/13/heated-rivalry-tampa-bay-florida-clearwater-beach" target="_self">Heated Rivalry</a>&quot; fanfare has hit Tampa Bay libraries. Why it matters: You might have to wait a bit if you&#x27;re looking to borrow a copy of the book that inspired the wildly popular TV show.

Tampa, St. Pete MLK parade road closures: What to know

Thousands of people are expected to attend <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Martin Luther King Jr. Day parades" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/12/mlk-day-tampa-st-pete-clearwater-2026" data-vars-content-id="09fcd3fa-7374-468d-972b-1bd6a4fd98bd" data-vars-headline="Tampa, St. Pete MLK parade road closures: What to know" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/12/mlk-day-tampa-st-pete-clearwater-2026" target="_self">Martin Luther King Jr. Day parades</a> on Monday in East Tampa and downtown St. Petersburg.<ul><li>Road closures are sure to snarl traffic. Here&#x27;s what to know:</li></ul>