IMMOKALEE, Fla. (WINK) — As Governor Ron DeSantis pushes for property tax relief in Florida, some local fire districts are beginning to examine what the proposal could mean for emergency services that rely heavily on property tax revenue.
WINK News reached out to more than a dozen fire districts across Southwest Florida seeking information about potential impacts.
While many departments said it is too early to determine the effects because no final legislation has been approved, one district has already run preliminary numbers.
Immokalee Fire Chief Michael Choate told WINK News his district could lose approximately $3.7 million under the governor’s proposal about 34% of the department’s budget.
Choate said the Immokalee Fire Control District is an independent taxing district that receives essentially all of its funding from property taxes.
Unlike counties and municipalities, which often have multiple revenue sources available, Choate said independent fire districts have fewer options to offset losses if property tax revenue declines.
The concern is not limited to Immokalee.
Tice Fire Chief Michael Runk told WINK News the proposal would have a “significant impact” on his district.
“We are currently only funded by ad-valorem taxes,” Runk said in a statement. “As such, all aspects of our emergency services will be affected.”
Other departments urged caution while lawmakers continue developing the proposal.
Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District told WINK News it is too early to assess potential impacts because no final bill has been passed. The district said any effects on staffing, equipment purchases, capital projects, operations, and service delivery would depend on the final language approved by lawmakers.
WINK News also spoke with residents about the proposal and the potential tradeoff between tax relief and public services.
Ave Maria resident Tim Wiltgen said he supports lower taxes but wants to understand how emergency services would continue to be funded.
“I would wanna know where is the additional revenue now coming to keep these people whole, where is it, and how much is it?” Wiltgen said.
George Vallejo said he believes lawmakers should find a way to balance tax relief with support for first responders.
“I think we should obviously support our first responders,” Vallejo said. “They go out there and protect us and give us the services that we need.”
As lawmakers continue debating the proposal, many local fire districts say they are waiting for more details before determining exactly what the changes could mean for their operations and the communities they serve.