Treasure Coast officials are urging residents to research a proposed Florida property tax amendment that could lower taxes but impact local services if approved in November. The amendment would expand Florida’s homestead property tax exemption, potentially reducing property tax bills for many homeowners. However, officials warn it could also lead to decreased funding for some county services. Martin County Administrator Don Donaldson said the county’s tax base is largely residential, which could result in significant financial impacts. Your neighborhood: Local coverage from WPBF 25 News”I’m not prepared today to talk about what is going to be eliminated other than it will be,” Donaldson said. “You know, my promise to the community is that, you know, while the legislature may have provided a very blunt tool to create this change, our role is to try to safely land the plane in the most humane way as possible.” Port St. Lucie Mayor Shannon Martin said the city is also studying the proposal and anticipates major effects if it passes. “I can tell you there will be significant impacts to our general fund, which is the fund that the majority of our departments are funded,” Martin said. “The question will be what we are going to do and how much are we going to suffer as a result of a loss of revenue.” Both leaders emphasized the importance of residents educating themselves on the amendment before voting. “My message is please do your research. Please educate yourself on the bill and what the services are that our city provides,” Martin said. “I ask our residents and our voters to please be informed,” Donaldson said. Officials said residents are invited to attend budget workshops taking place before the election to learn more about the amendment’s potential impacts.Stay up-to-date: The latest headlines and weather from WPBF 25

MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. —

Treasure Coast officials are urging residents to research a proposed Florida property tax amendment that could lower taxes but impact local services if approved in November.

The amendment would expand Florida’s homestead property tax exemption, potentially reducing property tax bills for many homeowners. However, officials warn it could also lead to decreased funding for some county services.

Martin County Administrator Don Donaldson said the county’s tax base is largely residential, which could result in significant financial impacts.

Your neighborhood: Local coverage from WPBF 25 News

“I’m not prepared today to talk about what is going to be eliminated other than it will be,” Donaldson said. “You know, my promise to the community is that, you know, while the legislature may have provided a very blunt tool to create this change, our role is to try to safely land the plane in the most humane way as possible.”

Port St. Lucie Mayor Shannon Martin said the city is also studying the proposal and anticipates major effects if it passes.

“I can tell you there will be significant impacts to our general fund, which is the fund that the majority of our departments are funded,” Martin said. “The question will be what we are going to do and how much are we going to suffer as a result of a loss of revenue.”

Both leaders emphasized the importance of residents educating themselves on the amendment before voting.

“My message is please do your research. Please educate yourself on the bill and what the services are that our city provides,” Martin said.

“I ask our residents and our voters to please be informed,” Donaldson said.

Officials said residents are invited to attend budget workshops taking place before the election to learn more about the amendment’s potential impacts.

Stay up-to-date: The latest headlines and weather from WPBF 25