From the Desk of Representative

Lauren Melo - District 82

October 21, 2025, Issue No. 1

Pages and Messengers are students who come to the Capitol and work one week during the 60-day Regular Session. Each Representative may sponsor one Page and one Messenger.

Pages and Messengers assist Representatives and their staff during the Capitol’s busiest time of year while observing state government in action.

The Page & Messenger Program is a long-standing tradition in the Florida House of Representatives. Historic journals include mention of them as far back as 1865. Each student who serves as a Page or Messenger will have his or her name appear in the Journal of the House. This will be an official record of their time spent in the Florida House to one day show their children and grandchildren.

While performing their duties, Pages and Messengers have the opportunity to observe lawmakers, lobbyists, staff, and constituents working together in the legislative process. Opportunities will include committee meetings, House sessions in the Chamber, and occasionally press conferences with notable people or celebrities.

As time allows, Pages and Messengers may have the opportunity, with chaperones, to leave the Capitol and tour the Florida Supreme Court and the Historic Capitol. Students often hold a mock session in the House Chamber to put their newfound knowledge to use.

PAGES (grades 6-8)

• Serve in the House Chamber assisting Representatives

• Service hours are 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday unless the House is not in Session on Friday, in which case students will be dismissed at 12:30 pm

 MESSENGERS (grades 9-12)

• Assist in the Capitol and surrounding buildings of the Capitol Complex • Service hours are 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday unless the House is not in Session on Friday, in which case students will be dismissed at 12:30 pm

Each Representative has one slot for each position.

For more information, click here!

This year, property taxes emerged as a crucial issue necessitating the involvement of the Florida House of Representatives.

In response, the House established a Select Committee on Property Taxes to examine and address these concerns thoroughly.

 It is imperative to recognize that the ultimate power concerning property tax decisions resides not with elected officials but with the citizens of Florida, underscoring the vital importance of public participation in this pivotal matter.

The proposed legislative measures introduce two key provisions designed to ensure the stability of funding for essential state services.

Collectively, these provisions aim to foster a balanced approach to fiscal policy, with a strong emphasis on critical areas such as public safety and educational needs, thereby contributing to the overall well-being of the community.

The current Florida property tax relief proposals can be categorized into three main areas:

categorical eliminations, additional exemptions, and reforms.

Categorical Eliminations for Non-School Properties

• HJR 201: Eliminates non-school homestead property taxes entirely.

• HJR 203: Phases out non-school homestead property taxes over ten years, giving homeowners an additional $100,000 exemption annually until elimination.

• HJR 205: Exempts residents over the age of 65 from paying non-school homestead property taxes.

Additional Exemptions for Non-School Properties

These resolutions create new tax breaks for homeowners:

• HJR 207: Establishes a new exemption equal to 25% of the assessed value of the house.

• HJR 209: Provides an additional $100,000 exemption for homestead owners who have property insurance.

Reforms

The following resolutions address transfers, assessments, and the voting rule for Millage rates.

• HJR 211: Eliminates the cap on portability, allowing the transfer of the entire accumulated Save Our Homes benefit to a new home.

• HJR 213: Limits assessed value growth for non-school homestead property to 3% over three years and for non-homestead property to 15% over three years.

• HB 215: Requires a 2/3 vote for any increase in the millage rate (tax rate) and would allow newly married couples to combine their Save Our Homes benefits. 

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email us at Lauren.Melo@FLHouse.gov

It is an honor to serve as your State Representative. My team and I will continue to listen, work, and legislate on your behalf as we look to the future. God bless you all, and God bless the great state of Florida!

Representative Lauren Melo

Florida House District 82

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