Amendment 5 Debate Draws First Coast Audience

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Property owners in Florida are being promised a big tax break if the controversial Amendment 5 passes.

The proposed constitutional amendment would eliminate local school taxes, which amounts to about $9 billion. The state would have to figure out a way to recoup that money, which would likely be through a penny increase of the sales tax.

On Monday, concerned taxpayers heard State Senator Mike Haridopolos point out what he sees as the problem with the proposal at a community meeting at Florida Community College.

"Not a tax cut and it's going to hurt education," was Haridopolos' message.

Haridopolos says the math just doesn't add up.

"This is how much you need, $11 billion at the same time a penny of sales tax will only bring in $4 billion," said Haridopolos.

The Florida Association of Realtors has already launched a campaign in support of Amendment 5. The local association has yet to take a position.

Nancy Garcia, speaking for the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors, told First Coast News, "Property taxes are a hindrance to many people getting into a home. So in addition, a broad based tax is generally supported by realtor associations."

Amendment 5 is being challenged in court. Later this month a judge will review the ballot language to see if it accurately reflects what the amendment would do.

In Duval County, property taxes make up 27% of the school system's operating budget. This year property taxes for schools approaches $280 million.

The Duval County School Board is against Amendment 5.