Consumer

Miami-Dade Looks To Increase Property Taxes

The final vote for this is set for September.

MIAMI (CBS4) ― It seems like only weeks ago Floridians voted for lower property taxes, and for the right to opt for a double homestead exemption, but Miami-Dade county is looking to increase taxes, and many of its municipalities aren't happy.

County commissioner voted 7 to 6 in favor of the proposal to increase the millage rate from 4.5, which is last year's rate, to 4.8. If approved on the budget, it would increase taxes countywide. Residents from cities such as Key Biscayne or Hialeah say they won't reap the benefits of services that come with higher taxes, unlike residents who live in unincorporated areas.

"Everyone has spoken, has spoken in a way where they divide the county into people that live in municipalities and people that live in unincorporated areas," said Mayor Carlos Alvarez.

But commissioners apparently thought otherwise.

"The manager and the mayor's proposal just does not pass the smell test," said Commissioner Carlos Gimenez.

Hialeah Mayor Julio Robaina says his constituents didn't vote for higher property taxes.

"Voters gave us a direct order, our bosses gave us a direct order, 'we want double homestead exemption, we want the maximum amount of savings, and we're not interested in any other services,'" said Robaina.

The final vote for this is set for September.

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