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City Laws, Codes, and Charter

Ballot Referendums

Through the petition process, a referendum allows citizens to refer acts of the Legislature to the ballot before they become law. A referendum also permits the legislature to refer proposed legislation to the electorate for approval or rejection.

2022 Ballot Referendums
The following referendums regarding amendments to the City Charter were included on the ballot in the 2022 election.

Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption - Ordinance 31-22
* This referendum PASSED in the Primary Election on 11/8/22.

SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
What is it? 
The Ad Valorem Tax Exemption is an economic development incentive tool made available to cities through the Florida Constitution that must be approved by the city's voters.  This exemption is designed to encourage new commercial development and expansion of existing businesses within Cape Coral, which will create new job opportunities for the community. 

What does it do?  It grants tax exemptions to developers of specific projects, which will facilitate the growth and creation of business enterprises in Cape Coral.  The City of Cape Coral is seeking opportunities to become more business-friendly.  By providing economic incentives with the purpose of creating employment and investment, the City can expand economic activity, create a more positive image and stabilize the city’s tax base.  The program authorizes the City to grant qualifying businesses a limited property tax exemption for up to 10 years. 
What's next?  To qualify, an applicant business must:
  • Create at least 10 new full-time jobs
  • Provide an annual average wage for new full-time jobs of at least 100 percent of the Average Annual Private Sector Wage or Capital Investment exceeding $10,000,000 for a period of 5 years
  • Submit an annual renewal statement and annual report for each year the exemption is granted
  • The maximum amount of property tax revenue the City may forego any fiscal year using the exemption is $2 million.  Also, the Economic Development Tax Incentive Exemption program will sunset after 10 years.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Ad Valorem tax referendum ordinance

For the Ad Valorem tax referendum presentation (for additional information)


Filling of Vacancies of Mayor and Councilmembers
 
Ordinance 27-22
* This referendum PASSED in the Primary Election on 8/23/22.


SUMMARY EXPLANATION AND BACKGROUND:
What is it?  This is an amendment to the City Charter regarding filling City Council vacancies.

What does it do?   In the event that a special election is required to fill a Council vacancy, if there are three or more qualified candidates, a special primary election will be required.  The special primary election would need to occur 90 days after and before 120 days from the vacancy date.  It also requires a special general election to be held within 45 days following certification of the special primary election results.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Ordinance


Authentication, Codification, and Availability of City Records
 
Ordinance 28-22
* This referendum PASSED in the Primary Election on 8/23/22.


SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
What is it?  The referendum removes the requirement of printed copies being maintained in libraries and public offices and will allow accessibility by electronic means. 

What does it do?  It allows the City Clerk to authenticate and maintain ordinances and resolutions in codified form, making them accessible to the public quickly once they are adopted.  
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Ordinance