Sterling Fibers President Jim Hagelot traveled to Tallahassee to testify on local bill HB 4053. This bill aims to reduce the cost of fire evaluations, which were increased by legislation enacted in 2024.
Hagerott told the House Ways and Means Committee that his company’s taxes on the Avalon Beach-Mulatto Fire District have increased from about $7,000 a year to more than $107,000.
Fire and rescue rating rates vary by county. Money raised from fee assessments is used for regular department expenses and operations.
If passed, HB 4053 would provide relief to business owners in Santa Rosa County by exempting churches and religious facilities that are exempt from ad valorem taxes from non-ad valorem tax assessments.
Over the past year, several city and county governments have supported measures to increase fire assessment fees.
Marion County said it was needed to accommodate population growth and additional service needs.
In Alachua County, the Town of Newberry increased its fire fee by 50% from $200 to $300.
However, there is also a movement against raising the fire assessment.
Last year, the Sanford City Commission voted unanimously not to approve the proposed fire assessment fee.
In Winter Garden, government officials proposed increasing fire costs for homeowners by $330 to $500 a year. Citizens were so outraged that the city manager drafted a proposal before voting began.
In Tallahassee, the state capital, local officials opted for a 10% reduction rather than a 22% increase.
HB 4053 is moving through the Florida House of Representatives and, if passed, will head to the Florida Senate.
