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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>.

Sunshine Skyway tolls to go cashless, freeing up traffic

The change will help alleviate a traffic bottleneck issue, officials said.

Toll booths at both ends of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge will soon go fully electronic, according to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).Why it matters: The plazas currently accept cash, which can cause <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="traffic to bottleneck" data-vars-click-url="https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2025/05/19/why-does-the-skyway-bridge-still-have-toll-booths--" data-vars-content-id="d5017892-fe9c-43a6-b86d-0b8ff86e4a24" data-vars-headline="Sunshine Skyway tolls to go cashless, freeing up traffic" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2025/05/19/why-does-the-skyway-bridge-still-have-toll-booths--" target="_blank">traffic to bottleneck</a> during peak travel times.

Tampa-St. Pete ferry comeback set for approval

Transit officials will also vote on whether to buy a used 250-passenger boat for the service.

Pinellas County transit officials are expected on Wednesday to approve a year-round <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ferry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/06/02/hillsborough-oks-pinellas-funds-cross-bay-ferry-service" data-vars-content-id="a544f61a-c13b-440e-9e9d-775e3e90c2da" data-vars-headline="Tampa-St. Pete ferry comeback set for approval" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/06/02/hillsborough-oks-pinellas-funds-cross-bay-ferry-service" target="_self">ferry</a> service connecting Tampa and St. Petersburg.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the final vote before local officials can start building out the service, called the Tampa Bay Ferry.

Waymo's self-driving taxis are coming to Tampa

Humans will be behind the wheel — for now.

Waymo&#x27;s self-driving cars will soon hit Tampa streets, the company announced Thursday.<ul><li>Yes, but: Humans will be behind the wheel for now. </li></ul>Why it matters: The rollout lays the groundwork for the autonomous ride-hailing service to start operating in Tampa.

The best and worst times for Tampa Bay Thanksgiving 2025 travel

There will be a record-breaking 4.65 million Floridians leaving town for Thanksgiving this year, AAA predicts.

It&#x27;s time for Tampa Bay road and sky warriors to start thinking about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Thanksgiving" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/11/18/thanksgiving-specials-under-50-dollars" data-vars-content-id="195df6e4-6494-4195-8623-e7c904af3bcb" data-vars-headline="The best and worst times for Tampa Bay Thanksgiving 2025 travel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/11/18/thanksgiving-specials-under-50-dollars" target="_self">Thanksgiving</a> travel.Why it matters: There will be a record-breaking 4.65 million Floridians leaving town for Thanksgiving this year, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AAA" data-vars-click-url="https://newsroom.acg.aaa.com/nearly-465-million-floridians-expected-to-travel-for-thanksgiving/" data-vars-content-id="195df6e4-6494-4195-8623-e7c904af3bcb" data-vars-headline="The best and worst times for Tampa Bay Thanksgiving 2025 travel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://newsroom.acg.aaa.com/nearly-465-million-floridians-expected-to-travel-for-thanksgiving/" target="_blank">AAA</a> predicts.

Tampa Bay spending more time stuck in traffic

The average Tampa Bay car commuter spent 64 hours in traffic delays last year.

The average Tampa Bay car commuter spent 64 hours <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stuck in traffic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/08/slowest-driving-cities-america-list" data-vars-content-id="a1b9375b-f49c-421f-af9e-a123160b6eb6" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay spending more time stuck in traffic" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/08/slowest-driving-cities-america-list" target="_self">stuck in traffic</a> last year, a new report finds.<ul><li>That&#x27;s 11 more hours than in 2019.</li></ul>

State to remove part of SunRunner's dedicated lanes

Dedicated lanes are a key feature underpinning the 3-year-old bus rapid-transit service.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="SunRunner" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/09/29/sunrunner-bus-st-petersburg-free-fares" data-vars-content-id="c3b498c0-257b-4362-9225-c91389fac242" data-vars-headline="State to remove part of SunRunner&#x27;s dedicated lanes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/09/29/sunrunner-bus-st-petersburg-free-fares" target="_self">SunRunner</a> will no longer have dedicated lanes along South Pasadena Avenue after state officials intervened.Why it matters: Dedicated lanes are a key feature underpinning the 3-year-old rapid-transit bus service, which was billed as a high-frequency, limited-congestion way to travel from downtown St. Petersburg to St. Pete Beach.

How to hack lane closures around downtown Tampa this weekend

Brace for detours, and follow these steps.

All but one lane of I-275 through downtown Tampa will close this weekend as crews work on improvements to the I-275/I-4 interchange.Why it matters: If you&#x27;re passing through downtown, brace for detours.

Florida orders removal of Tampa school crosswalks it once awarded

The about-face raises more questions about the reasoning behind the Florida Department of Transportation's directive.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tampa" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/08/13/how-where-celebrate-tampa-813-day-2025" data-vars-content-id="d7e99998-3c14-4b52-9755-591ebd0f5a51" data-vars-headline="Florida orders removal of Tampa school crosswalks it once awarded" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/08/13/how-where-celebrate-tampa-813-day-2025" target="_self">Tampa</a> officials will remove 47 street murals to comply with a state <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="crackdown on pavement art" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/08/22/st-petersburg-to-comply-with-state-order-to-remove-pride-black-history-street-art" data-vars-content-id="d7e99998-3c14-4b52-9755-591ebd0f5a51" data-vars-headline="Florida orders removal of Tampa school crosswalks it once awarded" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/08/22/st-petersburg-to-comply-with-state-order-to-remove-pride-black-history-street-art" target="_self">crackdown on pavement art</a>, a city spokesperson said Monday.<ul><li>Nearly half are part of a school crosswalk art campaign that the Florida Department of Transportation <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="awarded in 2021" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fdot.gov/planning/TPX/awards" data-vars-content-id="d7e99998-3c14-4b52-9755-591ebd0f5a51" data-vars-headline="Florida orders removal of Tampa school crosswalks it once awarded" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fdot.gov/planning/TPX/awards" target="_blank">awarded in 2021</a> for its innovation and safety.</li></ul>Why it matters: The about-face raises more questions about the reasoning behind the Florida Department of Transportation&#x27;s directive, which state leaders previously said was to bolster driver and pedestrian safety.

St. Pete fears rainbow street art could be next after Pulse removal in Orlando

"Communities across Florida, including ours, should be prepared for similar actions," the mayor said.

In an escalation of Gov. Ron DeSantis&#x27; war on pavement art, state officials quietly removed a rainbow crosswalk outside Pulse, the former LGBTQ+ nightclub in Orlando that&#x27;s now a memorial to the 49 patrons shot and killed there in 2016.Why it matters: &quot;Communities across Florida, including ours, should be prepared for similar actions,&quot; St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch said in a statement Thursday.

Hillsborough's HART will flatline without new cash

Local officials can't agree on a plan to bring in the cash needed to keep the buses running.

Without a bigger budget, Hillsborough&#x27;s bus system can&#x27;t survive.Why it matters: Local officials can&#x27;t agree on a plan to bring in the cash needed to keep the buses running.

Transit 🚗

Sunshine Skyway tolls to go cashless, freeing up traffic

Tampa-St. Pete ferry comeback set for approval

Waymo's self-driving taxis are coming to Tampa

The best and worst times for Tampa Bay Thanksgiving 2025 travel

Tampa Bay spending more time stuck in traffic