Florida lawmakers approve property tax overhaul, voters to decide fate in November
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. (AP Photo/Phil Sears)
Key Points(5)
- Florida lawmakers approve property tax overhaul, voters to decide fate in November TALLAHASSEE, Fla.
- — After two days of a special session, Florida lawmakers have passed a sweeping measure to reform property taxes for homesteaded properties across the state, setting the stage for voters to decide the proposal’s fate in November.
- The constitutional amendment would significantly expand Florida’s homestead exemption over the next several years, increasing it from the current $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028.
- The expanded exemption would not apply to school district property tax levies.
- Voters will need at least 60% approval for the measure to take effect.
After two days of a special session, Florida lawmakers have passed a sweeping measure to reform property taxes for homesteaded properties across the state, setting the stage for voters to decide the proposal’s fate in November.
The constitutional amendment would significantly expand Florida’s homestead exemption over the next several years, increasing it from the current $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. The expanded exemption would not apply to school district property tax levies.
Voters will need at least 60% approval for the measure to take effect.
The House and Senate also approved an amendment designed to protect school tax revenues from the proposed changes.
Three Democratic senators — Mack Bernard of West Palm Beach, Daryl Rouson of St. Petersburg and Barbara Sharief of Miramar — voted in favor of the measure. Republican Reps. Nathan Boyles of Baker and Patt Maney of Shalimar were the only GOP lawmakers to vote against the constitutional amendment.
The ballot language will ask voters a simple question, House Speaker Daniel Perez said.
“Are you in favor or are you against increasing your homestead exemption for homestead properties only to $250,000 over two years. That’s the crux of the question,” he said.
Supporters say the measure will provide meaningful tax relief for homeowners. Property appraisers estimate the changes could save the average taxpayer several thousand dollars annually, depending on home value.
However, critics warn the measure could significantly reduce local government revenue, potentially cutting billions of dollars statewide.
“Property taxes are an issue. I just want to do it in the way that we’re not going to destroy our local governments and our county governments,” said state Sen. Barbara Sharief, D-Miramar.
Local officials have also raised concerns about potential impacts on public services.
Pembroke Pines Mayor Angelo Castillo said the proposal does not adequately address long-term funding needs.
“People need property tax relief, but this isn’t the plan that gets them there,” Castillo said.
He warned that reductions in revenue could affect essential services such as public safety, transportation, parks, libraries, and even mosquito control and animal services.
The measure also reduces the cap on annual assessment increases for non-homestead properties — including vacation homes, investment properties and commercial real estate — from 10% to 5%.
Additionally, beginning after Jan. 1, 2027, first-time homeowners would be required to show five years of residency to qualify for the expanded exemption. Until then, they would continue receiving the current exemption structure, which includes a $25,000 exemption on assessed value and an additional exemption on the value between $50,000 and $75,000 for non-school taxes.
