Florida property tax relief could impact Fort Myers police funding

FORT MYERS - Florida's legislative session kicked off with a major focus on property tax relief. State leaders are debating how to provide relief without cutting essential services.

Gov. Ron DeSantis highlighted the issue, pointing out that property taxes have increased from $32 billion to $56 billion in just seven years. He is urging lawmakers to put tax relief on the ballot.

"We have residents who are locked into their homes because they can't afford the taxes on a new residence," said DeSantis. "Others have been priced out of the market entirely."

However, 80% of property taxes currently fund police and fire services, raising concerns about maintaining these essential services.

In Fort Myers, the future of the new police headquarters could hinge on property taxes. The city plans a multi-million dollar facility, and any significant tax changes may jeopardize the project.

"You should be able to own your home without paying perpetual rent to the government," said DeSantis. He wants voters to have a say on the matter.

"The legislature has the ability to place a measure on the ballot to provide transformational relief to taxpayers," he said. "Let’s resolve to all work together, get something done, and let the people have a say.”

The planned three-story, 172,000-square-foot police facility would include a firing range, evidence lab, K-9 unit, and a real-time crime center.

Fort Myers City Manager Marty Lawing warned, "Should the legislature do anything during this session or during a special session during the spring or summer to significantly alter the amount of property taxes we receive, we'll have to take a serious look as to if we can do this project at all."

WINK News reached out to the city for an interview regarding potential tax changes. The City of Fort Myers provided a statement saying, "Like other counties/municipalities across the state, the city is monitoring next steps. It’s too early for us to make any comment on this; as of now, we’re moving forward with the new FMPD HQ."

However, Jari Sanders, President of the IUPA Local 6065 City of Fort Myers Police Officers, expressed concern over this approach.

"The City of Fort Myers repeatedly uses uncertain future events—from property tax changes—as an excuse to delay critical investments in officer welfare and infrastructure," said Sanders. "The union calls on city leaders to commit to public safety funding without these constant excuses."

The legislative session is set to conclude in March, and the future of the Fort Myers police headquarters remains uncertain.

The current police department building, constructed in the early 1980s, is 36,000 square feet—nearly five times smaller than the proposed new facility. The Fort Myers Police Department has previously expressed that it has outgrown its current space.