Florida voters expect big property tax cut

Most Florida voters said they were willing to trade lower property taxes for reduced local government services, the only area they would approve cutting is the local government workforce - not law enforcement, programs for seniors, libraries, school crossing guards, public health clinics or parks, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released last recently.

In looking at a series of proposals regarding property tax relief, voters say the most popular - with 63 percent support and 27 percent opposition - is the idea that taxes should be cut by the same percentage statewide for all homeowners. The idea of giving lowerpriced homes a larger percentage cut than higher priced homes is supported 49 - 41 percent.

Basing the size of the tax cut on the price of homes in each county is rejected with 65 - 24 percent. When told supporters of that approach are trying to help poorer counties protect their tax base, 26 percent said that might make them more likely to support that approach, with 15 percent less likely and 50 percent saying it does not make a difference.

"Florida voters think everyone should be treated the same, and are less comfortable with the idea that lawmakers should play Robin Hood," said Peter Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.

A total of 53 percent of voters say it is "very likely" or "somewhat likely" that the governor and the State Legislature will agree on a plan to "significantly cut property taxes," while 43 percent say it is "not too likely" or "not likely at all."

In defining what would be a "significant" property tax cut:

+ 10 percent of Florida voters say less than 10 percent;

+ 33 percent see a tax cut of 10 - 20 percent;

+ 27 percent say 21 - 40 percent is significant;

+ 16 percent say more than 40 percent

From May 29 - June 4, Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,174 Florida voters, with a margin of error of +/- 2.9 percentage points.

The Quinnipiac University Poll, conducts public opinion surveys in Florida, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Ohio and the nation as a public service and for research.