Fort Lauderdale delegation hails $3.7M in wins; warns property‑tax constitutional amendment could cost city $17M–$27M

Dafany (Daphany) Sville, the city’s intergovernmental affairs manager, led a June 16 legislative briefing that brought state lawmakers and lobbyists to Fort Lauderdale to summarize the 2026 legislative session and special sessions. City staff said the city secured approximately $3.7 million in state appropriations for capital and programmatic projects, while delegations cautioned that a constitutional amendment to change property‑tax treatment will be the city’s largest revenue risk in coming years.

The administration credited members of the Broward delegation for winning funding for local priorities. Among appropriations called out were $1.25 million for the G‑Mile street safety improvement project, $643,000 for a fire‑boat replacement, and $250,000 for a substance‑abuse/mental‑health housing treatment program. City staff said the state budget was not signed at the time of the briefing and the appropriations remain subject to the governor’s final action.

Sville and legislators described the proposed property‑tax amendment that would raise the non‑school homestead exemption (first to $150,000, then to $250,000) and cap assessment growth on some non‑homestead property at 5 percent. City staff estimated the local fiscal impact at approximately $17 million in FY2028 and $27.3 million in FY2029 if voters approve the amendment. City leaders said they plan a robust education and communications campaign about how property tax revenues fund local services.

Several lawmakers also reviewed legislation relevant to local governance and infrastructure, including bills on DEI restrictions for local governments, building permits and inspections, utility services, micromobility (e‑bikes), and sovereign immunity adjustments. The delegation and city lobbyists urged continued vigilance on state preemption and encouraged the commission to weigh outreach and resident education ahead of the November ballot.

The delegation said some funding is targeted to projects already prioritized by the city and called out the need for continued coordination between local officials and the state to finalize appropriations and implement funded projects.

Next steps: City staff is preparing public education materials on the property‑tax amendment and will monitor the governor’s action on the budget and follow up with specific implementation guidance if the amendment qualifies and passes.