SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – Florida voters will decide in November whether to approve a property tax cut for homesteaded property owners.
Lawmakers approved the constitutional amendment Tuesday after a two-day special session. The House voted 75-26, and the Senate voted 30-9.
If approved by 60% of voters, the measure would increase the existing $50,000 homestead exemption to $150,000 starting in 2027. It would rise to $250,000 in 2028.
The exemption would not apply to school taxes after lawmakers changed Gov. Ron DeSantis’ plan to protect school districts. Lawmakers also changed the proposal to allow property tax revenue to fund constitutional offices, including supervisors of elections, tax collectors and property appraisers.
The plan is expected to cut local government revenue statewide by more than $8.4 billion a year.
House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, defended sending the issue to voters.
“I’m proud of the opportunity that we are giving the voters by letting them decide if this is something that’s going to come to fruition or not,” Perez said.
DeSantis urges lawmakers to advance property tax relief plan
Florida GOP Chairman Evan Power said the measure is part of a broader effort to address affordability.
“Republicans are laser-focused on making Florida more affordable for families,” Power said. “As costs continue to rise across the country, Florida Republicans are leading the way by pursuing meaningful property tax reform, lowering the burden on homeowners, and limiting the growth of government.”
The Florida GOP thanked DeSantis, Senate President Ben Albritton and Perez for advancing the proposal.
Most Democrats and local government officials warned the plan could force cuts to services, shift costs to renters and businesses, and leave cities and counties more dependent on the state.
“When the bill comes due, it won’t be paid by Tallahassee,” said Sen. Lavon Bracy Davis, D-Ocoee. “It will be paid by your city, your county, your neighborhood school, your library, your community.”
According to Florida Association of Counties estimates, Manatee County would see a 19.31% reduction in its county property tax levy in the second year of the plan. Sarasota County would see a 16.47% reduction.
The proposal also would lower the cap on annual assessment increases for non-homestead properties, including vacation homes, investment homes and commercial properties, from 10% to 5%.
First-time homeowners would need to show five years of residency to qualify for the new expanded exemption after Jan. 1, 2027.
Fore more information, visit www.fl-counties.com/property-tax-map/.
Copyright 2026 WWSB. All rights reserved.