TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV/Gray Florida Capital Bureau) – Florida homeowners could see big changes to their tax bill as soon as next year.
The legislature is back in session for a rare June meeting to discuss property taxes. Unlike the budget vote, these are not guaranteed.
Under Governor Ron DeSantis’s plan, those with primary homes worth $250,000 or less would pay zero property tax come fiscal year 2028.
The proposal would see the legislature eventually create a schedule to abolish all homestead property taxes, whether a home is worth $10,000 or $10 million.
“They’re looking at what’s my exemption, how much money am I going to save? And so my view has been that you want a homestead exemption that just applies to everything. I mean, you own your home or you don’t own your home right?” DeSantis said.
Florida politics:
Lawmakers have shown some skepticism. The governor’s plan is far different than the one the Florida House proposed earlier this year. Even some Republicans want to see schools allowed to still collect property tax.
“I care deeply about education and I see what the impact is on our traditional public schools, to all K-12 funding,” said Rep. Alex Rizo (R).
The Florida Association of Counties is sounding the alarm, saying there could be cuts to essential services, even to first responders if the property tax reform plan goes through.
“That means that whatever’s not included has been left out. That includes your constitutional officers, that includes any health and safety mandates like Medicaid, cost share payments, DJJ, Veteran Services, and many, many more,” said Jeff Scala, the deputy director of the Florida Association of Counties.
Meanwhile, Republican leaders say this proposal is the best way to provide tax relief to Florida residents.
Places like Leon County could lose $84 million in Fiscal Year 2028, Sarasota County could lose $89 million, Alachua County is on the hook for a $75 million loss, while, over in Bay County, it’s $53 million if the proposal passes.
DeSantis argues property tax cuts would provide relief to residents under the strain of a struggling economy and that his tax plan prevents local governments from cranking up other taxes to make up the difference.
Democrats. while they hold a narrow minority of seats, say their ideas are being boxed out.
“That’s it, they don’t accept any Democratic input. They don’t accept amendments. They don’t accept anything that can maybe make a bad bill better,” said Rep. Michele K. Rayner (D).
Both chambers will come back on Tuesday. The House plans to wrap up Tuesday, but lawmakers have been told the special session could extend through Wednesday.
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