9 Actions Florida Should Take to Help Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Ian

1.     Postpone tax notices and waive penalties or interest for late tax filings in affected areas

2.     Extend the date for residents to take advantage of the tax discounts they would normally receive for paying property taxes and special assessments in November and postpone or defer the deadline for property tax installment payments

3.     Protect individual and business taxpayers from the risks for notices that they will likely not receive because their home or business addresses is not accessible anymore

4.     Issue no new audits in severely impacted areas, extend the statute of limitations and postpone existing audits that haven’t reached the assessment stage because these can’t be responded to while entire communities are still recovering

5.     Create procedures for fairly estimating taxes which can’t be calculated because records have been destroyed by the storm, moving away from the current method which significantly overestimates activity if no records are available

6.     Initiate procedures to offer payment plan assistance for late taxes, rather than resorting to the standard collection methods, like liens, levies, or bank freezes

7.     Retroactively apply the recently passed law that provides property tax refunds for residential property rendered uninhabitable as a result of a catastrophic event

8.     Provide tangible personal property relief and allow n on-residential properties rendered uninhabitable to receive property tax refunds

9.     Get Congress to pass a Disaster Tax Relief Act that includes provisions from past packages, including elements such as an Employee Retention Credit, an enhanced casualty loss deduction, and other relief provisions

Other Resources

Florida TaxWatch Statement on Hurricane Ian Recovery

Community Involvement

/ Categories: Research, Broward BOC

Monitoring and Oversight of General Obligation Bonds to Improve Broward County Schools

Q2 (2023-2024)

This report, presented to the Broward Bond Oversight Committee on March 21, 2024, marks a significant milestone in the implementation of the SMART Program by Broward County Public Schools (BCPS), now in its tenth year. This program, aimed at enhancing technology, safety, arts, athletics, and educational facilities across the district through General Obligation Bond funds, demonstrates BCPS's commitment to fulfilling the promises made to taxpayers. The report outlines a revised completion expectation by October 31, 2025, incorporating the financial close-out and full expenditure of funds, reflecting the program's adaptation to unforeseen challenges while maintaining its core objectives.

A pivotal aspect of the report is the emphasis on financial oversight and accountability, highlighting the crucial role played by the Bond Oversight Committee and Florida TaxWatch in ensuring the prudent use of taxpayer dollars. These entities have been instrumental in navigating the program through financial risks and ensuring transparency in budgetary practices. The completion of Single Point-of-Entry projects and advancements in fire alarm and sprinkler systems underscore the program's success in enhancing school safety, a priority that became even more urgent following the tragic events at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

The report also showcases the completion of initiatives aimed at enriching the student experience through the acquisition of music, art, and theater equipment, and the improvement of athletic facilities, demonstrating BCPS's dedication to fostering a holistic educational environment. Moreover, the completion of critical infrastructure renovations and technology deployments has resulted in a significant improvement in the student-to-computer ratio, underscoring the district's commitment to integrating technology into the learning experience.

Financial management and strategic planning form a core part of the report, offering a transparent breakdown of the SMART Program's budget adjustments and expenditures. This section illustrates the district's strategic approach to managing financial challenges and ensuring the continuity of project momentum. Additionally, the report highlights the district's efforts to enhance supplier diversity and community engagement, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that the community remains informed and engaged in the program's developments.

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