provided to The Santiva Chronicle
Florida’s controversial Amendment 3 coming up on the November ballot gives rise to a presentation at the next joint meeting of the Greater Fort Myers and Sanibel-Captiva Chamber and Lee Chapter of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) on Wednesday, Sep. 16. “Behind the Bill: A Property Tax Discussion” will feature Lee County tax appraiser Matt Caldwell and Lee County tax collector Noelle Branning at Luminary Hotel & Co. downtown Fort Myers from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
“The chamber feels it is exceedingly important to organize this special meeting to sift through all the opinions and some of the misinformation flying around and provide as much perspective possible from those in the know,” said John Lai, president and chief executive officer of the collaborative chambers and FRLA. “Matt and Noelle are the experts when it comes to deciphering both sides of the issue.”
Caldwell is a seventh-generation Florida native whose family settled Micanopy in 1826. He was born in Gainesville, but grew up in Lee County. After attending schools locally, Caldwell received his associate’s degree from Edison College and a bachelor of arts in history from Florida Gulf Coast University, both in Fort Myers, and a master’s of science in forestry resources and conservation with a concentration in geomatics from the University of Florida in Gainesville.
While an undergraduate, Caldwell began his career as a real estate appraiser and has attained the highest state certification in his field. He is qualified as an expert witness in multiple state and federal courts.
Caldwell was the Republican nominee for Florida State Senate, District 27, in 2008, and a member of the Florida House of Representatives 2010-2018. During his tenure, he served on and chaired several committees including those focused on tax policy; redistricting; insurance and banking; agriculture and natural resources/public lands; transportation and infrastructure; local, federal, and military affairs; and oversight of government operations such as pensions and elections.
Caldwell sponsored dozens of bills signed into law, including ones related to agriculture, natural resources, public safety, cannabis reform, medical care, criminal justice reform, pensions, and term limits. He also served on the Board of the Assembly of State Legislatures, a national organization focused on the implications of Article V of the U.S. Constitution. In 2018, he was the Republican nominee for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
From 2019 to 2020, Caldwell served as a partner in TM Strategic Consulting until he was elected as the Lee County property appraiser to serve as an advocate for the taxpayer. Outside of elected office, he has volunteered for appointments to various governmental committees from the Lake Okeechobee Water Resources Advisory Committee (2006-2008) to co-chairing the successful “Yes on 2,” the Right to Hunt and Fish, effort for the 2024 ballot.
Branning joined the Lee County Tax Collector’s office in 2013 and was elected as Lee County tax collector in 2020. In that office, she has distinguished herself as a highly effective public servant dedicated to redefining the customer experience by leading a model organization for excellence in providing government services.
Branning earned a bachelor of science degree from Florida State University in Tallahassee in 1998 and a juris doctor degree from Miami’s St. Thomas University School of Law in 2004.
She has become an active member in the Florida Tax Collectors Association, focused on sharing best practices to improve governmental efficiencies and the customer experience. She also chairs the FTCA Resiliency Coalition, which works to foster adaptability, strength, and collective partnership to provide Floridians continuity of operations in the face of natural disasters.
HBKS Wealth Advisors is the chamber’s Annual Luncheon Sponsor. Other sponsors for the September meeting include Community Cooperative; Macro Office Supply, Furniture & Printing, Inc.; and The Sunny Baker SWFL.
Early-bird (before Sep. 11) registration fee for members is $40 and nonmembers $50. Fees increase by $10 thereafter. Registration is required; walk-ins are not accepted. Register to attend here. Payment is due at time of registration.
DETAILS
Date: Wednesday, Sep. 16, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 pm.
Location: Luminary Hotel & Co., Fort Myers
Cost: $40 for members, $50 for nonmembers through Sep. 11; $50/$60 thereafter.
Registration: Click here