- June 22, 2026
Over the past several weeks, I have followed the discussion surrounding the proposed property tax cuts in Florida. Like many Floridians, I understand the frustration of rising costs and increasing tax bills. I am a homeowner. I understand the appeal of tax relief.
But before voters are asked to make a decision that could fundamentally change how local governments fund essential services, we deserve honest answers about the consequences.
Much of the conversation has focused on what homeowners could save. Far less attention has been given to what communities could lose.
Property taxes fund many of the services we rely on every day. They help pay for fire protection, law enforcement, emergency services, road maintenance, parks, libraries, stormwater systems, mosquito control and numerous special districts that protect public health and safety.
One service that is often overlooked is mosquito control. In Florida, mosquito control is far more than spraying for nuisance mosquitoes. It includes surveillance programs, disease monitoring, larval control, storm response, environmental management and public health protection. These programs operate year-round to prevent problems before they become outbreaks. Most residents never see that work because prevention is the goal. However, reduced funding could mean fewer inspections, less surveillance, fewer treatments, slower response times and an increased risk of mosquito-borne illnesses affecting our communities.
Supporters of the proposal often point out that schools, fire services and law enforcement would be protected. While those services are undoubtedly essential, simply identifying them as priorities does not automatically provide funding.
Fire departments still need firefighters, equipment, fuel, stations and training. Law enforcement agencies still need deputies, patrol vehicles, technology, and School Resource Deputies. Roads still need maintenance. Stormwater systems still require upkeep. Public health programs still require staffing and resources.
The question is simple: If property taxes are significantly reduced, where will the replacement revenue come from?
Will the state provide billions of dollars to local governments each year? If so, where will those funds originate? Will sales taxes increase? Will fees and special assessments rise? Will local governments be forced to reduce services?
These are not political questions. They are practical questions.
In Flagler County, public safety represents a significant portion of local government spending. If local governments lose a substantial share of their revenue, difficult decisions will inevitably follow. The math does not disappear simply because a funding source changes.
As the wife of an East Flagler Mosquito Control employee, I have seen firsthand the dedication of the men and women who work behind the scenes to protect public health. They are often out before sunrise, after storms, and in challenging conditions performing work that most residents never see. This issue is personal for my family, but it is bigger than any one job or agency. It is about ensuring that essential services remain available for future generations.
This discussion extends far beyond government budgets. It affects families, businesses, schools, first responders, public health programs,and the quality of life that has made Florida an attractive place to live and raise a family.
I also believe it is important to acknowledge that many people advocating for property tax reform have legitimate concerns. Seniors on fixed incomes, young families struggling to purchase homes and working residents facing rising insurance and living costs deserve relief. That conversation is worth having.
But there is a significant difference between targeted tax relief and broad property tax cuts that could dramatically reduce funding for essential services.
A proposal of this magnitude should not be driven by slogans or assumptions. It should be accompanied by a detailed plan that clearly explains how critical services will be funded in the future.
Before voters are asked to decide, they deserve transparency. They deserve facts. Most importantly, they deserve an answer to a question that remains largely unanswered:
What replaces the revenue?
The question is not whether tax relief is needed. The question is how we provide that relief without compromising the services our communities depend on every day.
The future of our communities depends on more than what we save on a tax bill. It depends on maintaining the services that keep our neighborhoods safe, healthy and functioning. Before moving forward with any significant property tax reduction, Floridians deserve a clear understanding of what services may be affected and how those funding gaps will be filled.
Lacy Martin is a Palm Coast resident, homeowner, wife and mother of two.
