More property tax amendments just hit Florida. Here’s the full list
Read full article: More property tax amendments just hit Florida. Here’s the full listAnother two property tax proposals were filed on Wednesday, adding to the growing list of plans that lawmakers want to put in front of voters next year.
Property taxes in this major Florida city spiked nearly 400%, report shows
Read full article: Property taxes in this major Florida city spiked nearly 400%, report showsWith the discussion around property tax cuts hitting a fever pitch in Florida, a new report shows which counties have imposed the highest levies statewide.
‘Eliminate them:’ Florida property tax cuts just got closer to becoming real
Read full article: ‘Eliminate them:’ Florida property tax cuts just got closer to becoming realThis week, four proposed constitutional amendments in Florida took another step closer toward becoming reality after getting approved by lawmakers.
‘Non-starter:’ Florida Gov. DeSantis says no to seniors on property tax reform
Read full article: ‘Non-starter:’ Florida Gov. DeSantis says no to seniors on property tax reformDeSantis has been a vocal supporter for property tax reform. But this week, he put his foot down on providing relief to seniors alone.
President Trump signs government funding bill, ending shutdown after a record 43-day disruption
Read full article: President Trump signs government funding bill, ending shutdown after a record 43-day disruptionPresident Donald Trump signed a government funding bill Wednesday night, ending a record 43-day shutdown that caused financial stress for federal workers who went without paychecks, stranded scores of travelers at airports and generated long lines at some food banks.
How to use tourist tax dollars in Orange County generates ‘hottest’ debate
Read full article: How to use tourist tax dollars in Orange County generates ‘hottest’ debateHow should the tax revenue generated from tourists be spent in Orange County? That is a question that has been at the center of a debate for years.
SNAP shutdown stretches into second week, impacting Central Florida families
Read full article: SNAP shutdown stretches into second week, impacting Central Florida familiesAs Thanksgiving approaches, thousands of Central Florida families are bracing for the holiday with empty cupboards and little hope for relief, as the federal government’s shutdown of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits stretches into a second week, leaving many anxious and local food pantries overwhelmed.
Florida CFO lauds Orlando, criticizes Orange County over ‘wasteful spending’
Read full article: Florida CFO lauds Orlando, criticizes Orange County over ‘wasteful spending’Amid a string of critical audits across the state, Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia heaped praise on the city of Orlando for its spending habits during a Friday news conference.
News 6 sits down to interview Florida gubernatorial candidate David Jolly
Read full article: News 6 sits down to interview Florida gubernatorial candidate David JollyOrange County Mayor Jerry Demings is officially launching his campaign for Florida governor, but there is already another Democrat in the race: former Florida Congressman David Jolly.
Orlando church hosts nighttime food drive to meet growing demand amid rising costs
Read full article: Orlando church hosts nighttime food drive to meet growing demand amid rising costsWith the pause in SNAP benefits, delayed pay for some federal workers, and rising grocery prices, food pantries across Central Florida say demand for donations is surging.
Local food pantries strain as SNAP benefits hang in the balance amid government shutdown
Read full article: Local food pantries strain as SNAP benefits hang in the balance amid government shutdownThirty days into the ongoing government shutdown, the looming expiration of SNAP benefits is causing growing concern across Central Florida.
Orlando TSA agents, air traffic controllers left waiting on paychecks amid government shutdown
Read full article: Orlando TSA agents, air traffic controllers left waiting on paychecks amid government shutdownAir traffic controllers and TSA agents at Orlando International Airport say they are working without pay as the government shutdown reaches 28 days.
Here’s how much it cost Seminole County taxpayers to re-paint crosswalks
Read full article: Here’s how much it cost Seminole County taxpayers to re-paint crosswalksSeminole County officials spent more than $31,000 in taxpayer money painting over bright green crosswalks after the Florida Department of Transportation ordered the county to remove the high visibility pavement markings this summer, financial records obtained by News 6 reveal.
Florida CFO blasts Seminole County leaders over taxes. Here’s their response
Read full article: Florida CFO blasts Seminole County leaders over taxes. Here’s their responseEarlier this month, Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia blasted Seminole County after it approved its first property tax hike in nearly two decades.
‘He would like to have one last political victory:’ UCF professor on DeSantis, property taxes
Read full article: ‘He would like to have one last political victory:’ UCF professor on DeSantis, property taxesGov. Ron DeSantis has made it abundantly clear: if he had it his way, he would get rid of property taxes.
‘Waste, fraud and abuse:’ DeSantis slams these Florida cities over ‘excessive’ spending
Read full article: ‘Waste, fraud and abuse:’ DeSantis slams these Florida cities over ‘excessive’ spendingDuring a news conference on Wednesday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and state CFO Blaise Ingoglia highlighted certain parts of the state over what they dubbed “excessive” spending.
Downtown Orlando gets new murals funded by federal grant
Read full article: Downtown Orlando gets new murals funded by federal grantSwans, oranges, and water lilies have appeared on walls around South of Downtown Orlando over the past week, as artists create three new murals funded by a federal grant awarded to six Main Street districts across the city.
Florida lawmakers could face tight budget in 2026
Read full article: Florida lawmakers could face tight budget in 2026After a contentious legislative session this year that required overtime to hammer out a budget, Florida lawmakers could again face decisions about limiting spending during the 2026 session.
This funding model could revitalize historic Goldsboro in the heart of Sanford
Read full article: This funding model could revitalize historic Goldsboro in the heart of SanfordCities across central Florida that have seen and felt change face the same challenge: How do they revitalize struggling communities?
Orlando nonprofits react after state subpoenas Orange County records
Read full article: Orlando nonprofits react after state subpoenas Orange County recordsSeveral Central Florida nonprofit organizations are responding after their names appeared in investigative subpoenas issued to Orange County by the state’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Florida Gov. DeSantis gets ranked on fiscal policy. Here’s how it turned out
Read full article: Florida Gov. DeSantis gets ranked on fiscal policy. Here’s how it turned outThe Cato Institute has released its “Fiscal Policy Report Card” for 2024, examining governors across the state to see how well they’ve handled their respective state’s finances.
Florida on-site audit shifts from Orange County to city of Orlando
Read full article: Florida on-site audit shifts from Orange County to city of OrlandoThe Florida Department of Government Efficiency has completed the on-site portion of its audit of Orange County government and is now turning its attention to the city of Orlando.
Sanford considers higher fire fees as residents warn of ‘tax’ burden
Read full article: Sanford considers higher fire fees as residents warn of ‘tax’ burdenThe Sanford City Commission on Tuesday held a second public hearing on proposed fire assessment fees, sparking debate between residents and city leaders ahead of a final vote scheduled for early September.
DOGE day in Orange County as Florida team descends for audit. Here’s what’s happening
Read full article: DOGE day in Orange County as Florida team descends for audit. Here’s what’s happeningFlorida’s Department of Government Efficiency will be in Orlando Tuesday to get access to Orange County facilities for an extensive audit of the county’s records.
Back-to-School tax holiday kicks off in Florida. Everything you need to know
Read full article: Back-to-School tax holiday kicks off in Florida. Everything you need to knowUnlike previous temporary tax holidays, a new law passed this year established an annual sales tax exemption for the entire month of August.
No more Florida sales tax on these goods. Here’s all you need to know
Read full article: No more Florida sales tax on these goods. Here’s all you need to knowLawmakers did not approve a “disaster relief” or a “freedom summer” tax holiday this year. Instead, they're making some of these tax exemptions permanent.
Could you get a $600 check next year under Donald Trump? Here’s what to know
Read full article: Could you get a $600 check next year under Donald Trump? Here’s what to knowDespite initial concerns, the U.S. government has been reporting a big surge in tariff revenue — and one lawmaker is looking to pass some of it on to American workers.
Winter Garden residents push back against proposed fire assessment fee
Read full article: Winter Garden residents push back against proposed fire assessment feeWinter Garden residents packed City Hall Tuesday night to voice opposition to a proposed fire assessment fee aimed at closing a $12 million budget shortfall.
Florida DOGE to audit Orange County government’s budget. Here’s what they’re looking for
Read full article: Florida DOGE to audit Orange County government’s budget. Here’s what they’re looking forOrange County is the latest government agency to get audited by Florida’s Department of Government Efficiency. It requests DOGE access to whatever county facilities, data systems and personnel are needed to investigate a trove of information going back to 2019 on everything from contracting to personnel salaries to DEI and environment-related programs to homeless services.
Central Florida Public Media raises nearly $200K after big spending cuts
Read full article: Central Florida Public Media raises nearly $200K after big spending cutsAfter President Donald Trump signed a bill last week cutting off public broadcasters and foreign aid programs from billions in taxpayer dollars, one Central Florida outlet has managed to raise much of its money on its own.
No more Florida sales tax on these items starting next week. Here’s the list
Read full article: No more Florida sales tax on these items starting next week. Here’s the listLawmakers did not approve a “disaster relief” or a “freedom summer” tax holiday this year. Instead, they're making some of these tax exemptions permanent.
‘Difficult choices:’ Property tax increase looms for Seminole County homeowners
Read full article: ‘Difficult choices:’ Property tax increase looms for Seminole County homeownersHomeowners in Seminole County will likely see the first increase to their property tax rate in over a decade as commissioners work to balance the budget for the upcoming year.
Oviedo will not launch fireworks on Fourth of July — again
Read full article: Oviedo will not launch fireworks on Fourth of July — againSeveral Central Florida cities are hosting fireworks shows on July 4th - Sanford, Winter Springs, Celebration, St. Cloud, to name a few - but not Oviedo for a second year in a row.
What’s in the latest version of Trump’s big bill moving through the Senate
Read full article: What’s in the latest version of Trump’s big bill moving through the SenateAt some 940 pages, the legislation is a sprawling collection of tax breaks, spending cuts and other Republican priorities, including new money for national defense and deportations.
‘Getting squeezed:’ St. Cloud annexation poses huge property tax hikes for some
Read full article: ‘Getting squeezed:’ St. Cloud annexation poses huge property tax hikes for someSome residents living under the jurisdiction of Osceola County are now being informed that they will soon become part of St. Cloud, raising concerns about potential property tax increases.
As Florida budget negotiations head into overtime, Gov. DeSantis warns about House tax changes
Read full article: As Florida budget negotiations head into overtime, Gov. DeSantis warns about House tax changesLawmakers in Tallahassee will not be able to get a budget passed before the regularly planned end of the annual legislative session, with House and Senate leaders remaining at loggerheads over tax cuts. Gov. Ron DeSantis told News 6 he was concerned about one particular proposed tax change.
Orlando lawmaker’s tourism tax reform now part of Florida Senate tax package
Read full article: Orlando lawmaker’s tourism tax reform now part of Florida Senate tax packageOn Monday, Sen. Carlos Guillermo-Smith D-Orlando, revealed his tourism tax reform bill is now part of the state senate tax package.
Tax Day is approaching. Here are the top tax-filing tips according to an expert
Read full article: Tax Day is approaching. Here are the top tax-filing tips according to an expertIn a recent interview, CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger, shared valuable insights for those who have yet to file their taxes.
Navigating tax season: New changes to be aware of, expert tips
Read full article: Navigating tax season: New changes to be aware of, expert tipsAs the tax filing deadline approaches, many Americans are preparing to submit their returns. News 6 anchor Lisa Bell recently spoke with an expert to discuss what taxpayers need to know this year.
‘Significant impact:’ Orlando IRS staff laid off with tax season underway
Read full article: ‘Significant impact:’ Orlando IRS staff laid off with tax season underwayThe National Treasury Employees Union and former IRS employees say around 100 or 1/3 of employees at the Orlando offices received their termination letter on Wednesday or Thursday. Why workers say this could impact you.
Security expert talks avoiding tax season schemes on Breakfast with Bridgett
Read full article: Security expert talks avoiding tax season schemes on Breakfast with BridgettLynette Owens from TrendMicro says there are scams targeting taxpayers coming through emails, texts and phone calls to watch out for.
Scott Bessent confirmed as treasury secretary, giving him a key role in extending Trump's tax cuts
Read full article: Scott Bessent confirmed as treasury secretary, giving him a key role in extending Trump's tax cutsThe U.S. Senate has confirmed billionaire investor Scott Bessent as President Donald Trump’s treasury secretary.
Central Florida tax preparers plead guilty to fraud charges
Read full article: Central Florida tax preparers plead guilty to fraud chargesThree tax preparers accused of fraudulently helping Central Florida customers obtain large income tax refunds have pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the Internal Revenue Service.
Brevard County charter amendments: Here’s what you need to know
Read full article: Brevard County charter amendments: Here’s what you need to knowFlorida voters will decide on six constitutional amendments, in the November election. In Brevard County, voters will also decide on county and municipal amendments and referendums.n two amendments and one referendum.
Orange County leaders approve higher property tax for fire, emergency services
Read full article: Orange County leaders approve higher property tax for fire, emergency servicesFor the first time in 17 years, Orange County leaders have approved an increase to the Fire & EMS property tax. The increase will add an estimated $150 per $250,000 of taxable value of single-family homes in unincorporated Orange County.
Orlando stormwater fees could increase 50% over the next few years. What that means for residents
Read full article: Orlando stormwater fees could increase 50% over the next few years. What that means for residentsThe City of Orlando is proposing increasing stormwater fees by at least 50% over the next four years. It’s the first time the city has raised stormwater fees since 2008.
Central Florida tax preparers arrested on federal fraud charges
Read full article: Central Florida tax preparers arrested on federal fraud chargesOwners and employees of a Central Florida tax preparation company have been arrested on federal charges for allegedly filing fraudulent tax returns on behalf of customers between 2017 and 2020, court records show.
‘The clock is ticking’ to file taxes ahead of looming deadline, expert says
Read full article: ‘The clock is ticking’ to file taxes ahead of looming deadline, expert saysIf you are not requesting an extension, the deadline to file your taxes is Monday, April 15. However, an extension to file your taxes is not an extension to pay.
Florida CFO joins financial officers in 18 states to urge IRS to drop Direct File online tax program
Read full article: Florida CFO joins financial officers in 18 states to urge IRS to drop Direct File online tax programFlorida’s chief financial officer has co-signed a letter with financial officers from 18 states urging the U.S. Treasury secretary and IRS commissioner to “shut down” the IRS Direct File online tax preparation pilot program.
IRS commissioner says new Direct File tax program is ‘very secure’
Read full article: IRS commissioner says new Direct File tax program is ‘very secure’The 12-state Direct File pilot program launched by the IRS in March will potentially serve more than 12 million taxpayers, 2.4 million in Florida alone.
Florida tax holiday kicks off on New Year’s Day. Here’s what you can save money on
Read full article: Florida tax holiday kicks off on New Year’s Day. Here’s what you can save money onThe tax holiday will last two weeks, ending on Jan. 14. State officials provided a list of items that are covered under the holiday.
Why Shohei Ohtani’s heavily-deferred contract could be model pro athletes ask for going forward
Read full article: Why Shohei Ohtani’s heavily-deferred contract could be model pro athletes ask for going forwardOhtani has decided to defer $680 million of the contract until after his playing days are over, meaning he’ll take in roughly $2 million of salary each year for the duration of the contract that will run through 2033.
‘Reedy Creek failed’: Hundreds of district employees owe over $2M in back taxes
Read full article: ‘Reedy Creek failed’: Hundreds of district employees owe over $2M in back taxesIn a letter to the IRS, district officials explained that Disney theme park passes and discounts given to employees weren't properly reported as taxable benefits.
‘Taylor Tax:’ IRS targets Taylor Swift fans over ticket sales, Florida CFO says
Read full article: ‘Taylor Tax:’ IRS targets Taylor Swift fans over ticket sales, Florida CFO saysFans who sold tickets for over $600 could be audited by the IRS if they don’t report any of the profits, according to Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis.
IRS aims to go paperless by 2025 as part of its campaign to conquer mountains of paperwork
Read full article: IRS aims to go paperless by 2025 as part of its campaign to conquer mountains of paperworkMost taxpayers will be able to digitally submit a slew of tax documents and other communications to the IRS next filing season and the agency plans to go completely paperless in 2025.