Lawmakers Weigh in on Taxes, Insurance, and Local Impacts at Chamber Forum

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Moderator Bernard Moyle is with State Representatives Dan Daley, Chip LaMarca, Christine Hunschofsky and State Senator Tina Polsky. {Talk Media}

Four Florida lawmakers gathered to discuss the state’s latest legislative session, offering candid insights into property taxes, insurance rates, condominium reform, and the business rent tax at this year’s State Legislative update.

Hosted by the Coral Springs Coconut Creek Chamber and presented by FPL, the event was moderated by Bernard Moyle, Owner/Operator of the Country Club of Coral Springs.

The panel included State Senator Tina Polsky and State Representatives Dan Daley, Christine Hunschofsky, and Chip LaMarca.

The sold-out event was held at the Coral Springs Museum of Art.

Here are some takeaways:

Business Rent Tax Eliminated
Sen. Tina Polsky praised the long-fought repeal of the state’s business rent tax, calling it a significant win for chambers and business groups that have pushed for its elimination for years. “Every year that we’ve been there, we chipped away at it,” Polsky said. “This is the first year we got it done, and I’m very happy about that.”

Rep. Chip LaMarca added that since 2018, the tax rate has gradually decreased from 6 percent to zero. He said the repeal will save Florida businesses $4 billion annually and return approximately $40 million to Broward County businesses that previously paid a local option tax.

Tax Package Controversies
Polsky noted that while the repeal was a victory, she was troubled by how the tax package was handled. She pointed to the late addition of a sales tax holiday on guns and ammunition, which she opposed. “This is, unfortunately, how the process goes,” she said. “Along with the good things like no more business rent tax, there’s also a sales tax exemption for all guns and ammo.”

Hunschofsky echoed concerns, saying bills often appear amended to other bills at the end of session without a thorough vetting. She cited the attempted elimination of professional boards and community redevelopment agencies as examples of proposals that were added to bills at the end of the session and that could deeply affect communities.

Property Taxes and Condo Reform
The legislators all agreed that a total elimination of property taxes is problematic for funding local services, such as police, fire, and parks. They did have different ideas regarding how to lower property taxes and provide relief to property owners. LaMarca said while relief should be explored, removing property taxes outright would undermine funding for first responders and local services. Daley called the idea “scary,” warning it could gut local parks, police, and fire services.

Hunschofsky said eliminating property taxes would add bureaucracy and inefficiency, since replacement revenue would need to be redistributed by the state. She instead proposed easing burdens on first-time homebuyers by adjusting valuations and expanding exemptions.

Condominium costs also dominated the discussion. Hunschofsky described the rapid increase in reserve requirements and skyrocketing insurance premiums as unsustainable, saying some condo associations in her district have seen insurance premiums double within two years.

Daley recalled hearing from constituents in tears over assessments that threatened to displace them, emphasizing the need for further reforms. The My Safe Florida Home Condo Pilot program, sponsored by Rep. Hunschofsky, and the Condo bill, which allows alternative financing for reserves, were cited as legislation passed to help condo owners.

Insurance and Home Rule
Polsky called property insurance “the elephant in the room,” saying it drives far more costs for Floridians than property taxes. LaMarca noted that new insurers are entering the market and that reforms, such as the “My Safe Florida Home” program, can help homeowners harden their properties against storms.

Speakers also expressed frustration with state policies that override local government authority. Polsky said Tallahassee often “runs roughshod” over home rule, leaving local governments unable to respond to community needs.

Workforce and Community Engagement
Daley highlighted bipartisan support for workforce readiness programs, including apprenticeships and high school career training, as alternatives to traditional college paths.

Lawmakers encouraged continued community engagement. “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu,” Daley said, urging constituents to stay in touch with representatives on policy matters.

Hunschofsky closed by stressing that despite political divisions, collaboration is possible and necessary. “Don’t tune out from this process,” she said. “Stay engaged, vote in every election, and use us as resources. We can only do a good job representing you if we are partnering with you and all working together.”

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Sharon Aron Baron

Editor of Talk Media and writer for Coral Springs Talk. CST was created in 2012 to provide News, Views, and Entertainment for the residents of Coral Springs and the rest of South Florida.