On the Issues
John Taylor's agenda for District 109 is rooted in the same principles that guided his work as Mayor of Opa-locka: fiscal responsibility, real investment in people, and a relentless focus on making life better for working families. Here is what he will fight for in Tallahassee.
Lowering Costs & Tax Relief
Under Mayor Taylor’s leadership, Opa-locka achieved what many said couldn’t be done — clean audits, a growing reserve fund, and a city back on solid financial footing after years of state oversight. That turnaround didn’t happen by accident. It took disciplined budgeting, accountability, and a willingness to make tough decisions on behalf of residents. In Tallahassee, John Taylor will bring that same fiscal discipline to District 109, fighting for our working families, protecting local budgets from state mandates, and ensuring every dollar in public funding is spent with transparency and purpose.
Continued Reduction of Taxes
As Mayor, John Taylor decreased Opa-locka’s millage rate to 8.97, delivering real property tax relief to residents while keeping the city’s finances strong. He believes that government should cost families less, not more, and that fiscal responsibility and quality services are not mutually exclusive. In Tallahassee, he will fight to reduce the tax burden on District 109 families, and advocate for a state budget that puts working people first.
Affordable Housing & Homeownership
John Taylor worked to attract new housing developments, rehabilitate homes through the CRA, and expand the Home Rehabilitation Program citywide. As State Representative, he will champion affordable housing policies, first-time homebuyers programs, and tools that help more District 109 residents achieve the dream of homeownership.
Small Business & Economic Empowerment
John Taylor revived the Opa-locka Chamber of Commerce, expanded the Business Façade Improvement Program, and invested over $6 million in CRA real estate to drive local economic growth. In the Legislature, he will fight for small business support, micro-grant programs, and economic development policies that empower entrepreneurs in underserved communities.
Public Safety & Community Policing
As a father and a public servant, public safety is personal to John Taylor. He built a new modernized police station, deployed ShotSpotter technology, launched a youth Explorer Program, and created a scholarship for residents to attend the police academy. In Tallahassee, he will support community policing initiatives, youth mentorship investment, and smart public safety policies that keep families safe and build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Social Services, Health & Food Security
John Taylor created the Human Services Department and the HOPE Fund to help Opa-locka residents pay rent, mortgages, and utility bills — and he led regular food drives to address food insecurity in a community classified as a food desert. In the Legislature, he will advocate for expanded access to social services, affordable health care, and food security programs for working families and seniors across the district.
Youth Investment & Education
From launching a youth summer job program and supporting scholarships for high school seniors, to creating the Explorer Program and a scholarship for aspiring police officers, John Taylor has consistently invested in the next generation. In Tallahassee, he will fight for youth programs, educational opportunity, and resources that give every young person in District 109 a real shot.
Seniors & Transportation Access
John Taylor introduced Freebee, a free on-demand ride service, to ensure that seniors, students, and residents without vehicles can access essential services. He will advocate at the state level for expanded public transit access, senior services, and programs that ensure no resident is left behind because of where they live or how they get around.