Sumter voters would decide on a home property tax break

The proposal would exempt part of eligible homes' assessed value from Sumter County property taxes. It would cover residents with qualifying homestead property in the Sumter County special district and apply only to county property taxes. The exemption depends on approval by at least two-thirds of each legislative chamber and approval by Sumter County voters. Residents must apply unless they received another county homestead exemption for the same home in the prior tax year and remain eligible. The exemption would be added to other homestead exemptions; any home value above the exempt amount would remain taxable. The exemption would apply to tax years starting January 1 of the year after voter approval, through December 31, 2039. The proposed sales tax would run from January 1, 2028, through December 31, 2037.