Florida CFO says statewide budget reviews could lead to property tax relief

Tallahassee, Fla. (WINK) — Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, Blaise Ingoglia, says he is reviewing local government budgets across the state to look for what he calls "waste, fraud, and oversized bureaucracy" — and says those reviews could pave the way for major property tax relief.

“We are planning on making it to every single taxing jurisdiction in the state of Florida,” Ingoglia said.

He said the reviews aren't just about accountability.

Ingoglia said he believes they're the foundation for reducing — or even eliminating — property taxes on homesteaded homes.

“I think the number to get rid of property taxes on homestead properties across the state is about $15 billion,” he said. “So, I think the money is there to offer this to the citizens, the state of Florida. It doesn't necessarily have to be done in one year. It could be something that could be phased in.”

Ingoglia argues that local governments aren't short on money, citing population growth and rising property values over the past several years. He said the increase in revenue was meant to cover core services, such as schools, law enforcement, and roads, without continuing to raise homeowners' taxes.

“I think we can be super aggressive and try to get rid of property taxes on homes that are properties altogether,” Ingoglia said. “The numbers do work.”

Ingoglia claims the state could find between $10 billion and $15 billion in excessive and wasteful spending once reviews are complete.

He did not confirm when Southwest Florida localities will be reviewed.

Ingoglia also said he is unsure whether lawmakers can pass property tax relief during this legislative session. He said a better approach may be a special session focused solely on the issue.

He believes the governor will call for one after the regular session ends.

WINK News will continue to update you as we learn more.