Sen. Blaise Ingoglia files to require supermajorities for local millage rate increases

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, R-Spring Hill, filed legislation on Thursday that would require counties and municipalities have a supermajority vote of approval in order to raise millage rates.

The legislation specifically reads that the previous millage rate may only be increased if a two-thirds majority of the voting body supports the decision.

“In the State Legislature we need a supermajority to pass new taxes and new fees,” Ingoglia told Florida’s Voice. “We think it’s really good public policy if local governments are held to the same standard.”

“Local elected officials need to remember it’s not their money. It’s the taxpayers money and they should use it as efficiently as possible,” he said

Rep. Sam Garrison, R-Fleming Island, filed the companion bill to SB 1322 in the House.

Several counties and municipalities considered or ultimately raised property tax rates in their communities when deliberating their 2024 fiscal budgets, including Tallahassee, Tampa and Gadsden County.

Other areas of the state, including Broward County, celebrated the passing of their budget without the need to increase rates.

“Broward Commissioners pass FY24 budget totaling $8.6 billion. No increase in property tax millage rate. Extra [money] earmarked for affordable housing, public safety, public transportation, homelessness, job creation,” the county commission said on X.