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

David and Julie discuss FEMA, Florida Property Tax Reform, and Mike Twitty, Pinellas County Property Appraiser 

Episode Highlights – What You Need to Know

1. What “Substantial Damage” Really Means
   If repair costs reach 50% or more of a home’s structure value, FEMA requires the entire property to be brought into current floodplain compliance.
2. Why Floodplain Rules Directly Affect Insurance Costs
   Strong enforcement of FEMA regulations helps communities earn major flood-insurance discounts through the National Flood Insurance Program.
3. Pinellas County vs. St. Petersburg Flood Discounts
   County 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.
4. Density Has Consequences in Flood Zones
   Choosing higher density over stricter floodplain compliance increases long-term flood risk and raises insurance costs for everyone.
5. Why Pinellas County Is Especially Vulnerable
   Pinellas is both Florida’s most densely populated county and effectively a barrier island, creating elevated flood exposure.
6. How Substantial Damage Impacts Homeowners
   Once triggered, homeowners may be required to elevate, rebuild, or demolish, not just repair damaged portions of a home.
7. Why FEMA Discounts Matter More Than Ever
   With insurance premiums rising statewide, flood-rating discounts can mean thousands of dollars in annual savings.
8. Florida’s Proposal to Eliminate Property Taxes on Homesteads
   Governor DeSantis has proposed eliminating property taxes on primary residences, potentially reshaping affordability statewide.
9. What’s on the Table for the 2026 Ballot
   Multiple legislative proposals include expanded homestead exemptions, insurance-related tax relief, Save Our Homes portability changes, and assessment-cap reductions.
10. Why Voter Education Matters Now
    These 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!