Property Taxes

Discussions at the State level about reducing or eliminating property taxes raise important questions about how essential neighborhood services would be funded.

Property taxes make up 38% of the City of Pembroke Pines’ General Fund — and supports about 82% of net public safety, including our police and fire, operations. Significant changes could have a direct impact on the services residents rely on every day.

Voters may see a ballot measure related to this in November. It's critical to take time to understand the facts and how potential changes could affect our community.

Here’s what you need to know:

What Happens If Property Taxes Go Away?

• A shift in how services are funded.
   Property taxes currently provide steady, predictable funding for local needs. Eliminating them would create a revenue gap that would need to be filled through other means—potentially higher sales taxes, new fees, or reductions in services.
• Impacts on public safety and essential services.
  In most Florida cities, police, fire, and emergency response services make up more than half of the local budget and rely heavily on property tax revenue. Reductions in this funding could require adjustments in service levels or alternative funding sources.
• Economic and business considerations.
   Florida’s consistent and predictable property tax system supports a stable business environment. Major changes could introduce uncertainty, potentially affecting infrastructure investment, small business operations, and real estate markets.
• Effects on homeowners.
  Florida’s Save Our Homes amendment caps annual increases in the assessed value of homesteaded properties at 3%, helping protect residents from large, unexpected tax increases. Changes to the property tax structure could alter or eliminate this safeguard.

Protecting a Proven System

Florida’s property tax framework was established by voters to ensure that communities can maintain local control, provide essential services, and uphold fiscal responsibility. It’s a system designed to balance affordability with accountability.

Property taxes help fund the services residents count on every day—from clean, safe streets to responsive emergency services—and they ensure those decisions are made close to home.

By understanding how this system works and why it matters, residents can better appreciate the role property taxes play in maintaining the high quality of life that defines Florida’s communities. The State's approach to local government is built on low taxes, local decision-making, and efficient services that provide strong value for residents.

Property taxes are a key part of that formula. They help fund essential services such as public safety, fire rescue, road maintenance, parks, and other critical infrastructure—all while keeping those dollars and decisions close to home. Unlike other taxes that are collected and distributed at the state or federal level, property taxes remain in the community where they’re raised. This local approach allows residents to see how their dollars are spent and to hold local governments accountable for service delivery.

TOOL KIT FOR RESIDENTS AND ASSOCIATIONS - Click here and scroll down to the "Ready-To-Use" section to download flyers and graphics to print and share.