Episode 68 Flood Plain Mgmt, Mike Twitty and Property Tax Legislation

Send us Fan MailDavid and Julie discuss FEMA, Florida Property Tax Reform, and Mike Twitty, Pinellas County Property Appraiser Episode Highlights – What You Need to KnowWhat “Substantial Damage” Really MeansIf repair costs reach 50% or more of a home’s structure value, FEMA requires the entire property to be brought into current floodplain compliance.Why Floodplain Rules Directly Affect Insurance CostsStrong enforcement of FEMA regulations helps communities earn major flood-insurance discounts through the National Flood Insurance Program.Pinellas County vs. St. Petersburg Flood DiscountsCounty residents receive up to a 40% FEMA discount, while City of St. Petersburg residents receive about 25–28%, due to differences in compliance and mitigation efforts.Density Has Consequences in Flood ZonesChoosing higher density over stricter floodplain compliance increases long-term flood risk and raises insurance costs for everyone.Why Pinellas County Is Especially VulnerablePinellas is both Florida’s most densely populated county and effectively a barrier island, creating elevated flood exposure.How Substantial Damage Impacts HomeownersOnce triggered, homeowners may be required to elevate, rebuild, or demolish, not just repair damaged portions of a home.Why FEMA Discounts Matter More Than EverWith insurance premiums rising statewide, flood-rating discounts can mean thousands of dollars in annual savings.Florida’s Proposal to Eliminate Property Taxes on HomesteadsGovernor DeSantis has proposed eliminating property taxes on primary residences, potentially reshaping affordability statewide.What’s on the Table for the 2026 BallotMultiple legislative proposals include expanded homestead exemptions, insurance-related tax relief, Save Our Homes portability changes, and assessment-cap reductions.Why Voter Education Matters NowThese constitutional changes require 60% voter approval, making informed homeowners critical to the outcome in November 2026.Want to work with us? David Vann can be found  here, and Julie Jones can be found here! Reach out! We're nice, and we'd love to hear from you!