Florida mosquito control officials are warning that proposed property tax reforms being discussed during the governor’s special session starting Monday could jeopardize funding for essential services that protect public health and safety. Mosquito control leaders argue these programs are an essential public safety service, helping reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases and protecting Florida communities year-round. According to the American Mosquito Control Association, the proposed reforms include exempting the first $250,000 of homestead property value from taxation and requiring remaining local revenues to be directed toward “core services.” The association said mosquito control must be recognized as a core service, as this funding is critical for independent mosquito control districts, which receive nearly all operational funding through ad valorem taxes. The Florida Mosquito Control Association is urging residents and stakeholders to contact their state legislators and voice support for preserving mosquito control services. The organization is directing members to the American Mosquito Control Association’s advocacy action center to participate in the effort. Previously, at the start of mosquito season, the St. Lucie County Mosquito Control District increased efforts to stop mosquito breeding before it worsened. Crews targeted areas where mosquitoes breed the most and conducted aerial treatments over mosquito impoundments in the mangrove marshes on North and South Hutchinson Islands. They also pumped water from the Indian River Lagoon into those impoundments to prevent mosquito eggs from hatching. The governor’s special session is scheduled to run from June 1 through June 3. Mosquito control advocates said they will continue monitoring the proposed reforms and working with lawmakers to ensure critical mosquito control programs remain protected.Stay up-to-date: The latest headlines and weather from WPBF 25
Florida mosquito control officials are warning that proposed property tax reforms being discussed during the governor’s special session starting Monday could jeopardize funding for essential services that protect public health and safety.
Mosquito control leaders argue these programs are an essential public safety service, helping reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases and protecting Florida communities year-round.
According to the American Mosquito Control Association, the proposed reforms include exempting the first $250,000 of homestead property value from taxation and requiring remaining local revenues to be directed toward “core services.” The association said mosquito control must be recognized as a core service, as this funding is critical for independent mosquito control districts, which receive nearly all operational funding through ad valorem taxes.
The Florida Mosquito Control Association is urging residents and stakeholders to contact their state legislators and voice support for preserving mosquito control services. The organization is directing members to the American Mosquito Control Association’s advocacy action center to participate in the effort.
Previously, at the start of mosquito season, the St. Lucie County Mosquito Control District increased efforts to stop mosquito breeding before it worsened. Crews targeted areas where mosquitoes breed the most and conducted aerial treatments over mosquito impoundments in the mangrove marshes on North and South Hutchinson Islands. They also pumped water from the Indian River Lagoon into those impoundments to prevent mosquito eggs from hatching.
The governor’s special session is scheduled to run from June 1 through June 3. Mosquito control advocates said they will continue monitoring the proposed reforms and working with lawmakers to ensure critical mosquito control programs remain protected.
Stay up-to-date: The latest headlines and weather from WPBF 25