TALLAHASSEE, Fla. \u2013 While several property tax cut proposals are in the works, one has finally been approved by the Florida House, putting it on track to appear on the ballot later this year.<\/p>\n
That bill \u2014 HJR 203<\/a> \u2014 would exempt all homestead properties from non-school property taxes starting on Jan. 1, 2027.<\/p>\n In addition, the amendment would prohibit local governments from reducing their law enforcement funding.<\/p>\n \u201cThis ensures that essential public safety services remain unaffected,\u201d wrote state Rep. Monique Miller (R-Palm Bay), who filed the bill back in October.<\/p>\n After passing through all of its committees, the bill was ultimately approved by House lawmakers<\/a> on Thursday by a vote of 80-30.<\/p>\n WHAT\u2019S NEXT?<\/p>\n Now, the proposal will go to the Senate for consideration. However, the Senate has yet to put its own bill out yet, and with less than a month remaining in the regular session, the proposal still has several hurdles to clear.<\/p>\n That said, Gov. Ron DeSantis \u2014 a vocal proponent of property tax cuts<\/a> \u2014 announced on Thursday that he\u2019s working with state Senators to get a proposal approved.<\/p>\n Regarding a property tax proposal for the 2026 ballot: we\u2019ve been working with members of the Senate who have been great partners.<\/p>\n Given that it can\u2019t be voted on by the people before November, it\u2019s better to do it right than do it quick!<\/p>\n \u2014 Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) February 19, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n But if HJR 203 does manage to get through the Senate, it will go to the ballot for the general election in November, where it will need to receive at least 60% of support from voters to survive.<\/p>\n And if it gets that far, the amendment is slated to take effect next year.<\/p>\n ARE THERE ANY OTHER PROPOSALS?<\/p>\n While these other proposals haven\u2019t made it nearly as far as HJR 203, House members have also put forward the following amendments for the 2026 ballot:<\/p>\n HJR 201<\/a> \u2014 Eliminating Property Taxes<\/p>\n House Joint Resolution 201 would establish a homestead exemption for all non-school property taxes.<\/p>\n In addition, the amendment would prohibit local governments from reducing their law enforcement funding.<\/p>\n HJR 205<\/a> \u2014 Property Tax Exemptions (Seniors)<\/p>\n House Joint Resolution 205 would exempt residents ages 65 and over from paying non-school taxes on their homes.<\/p>\n In addition, the amendment would prohibit local governments from reducing their law enforcement funding.<\/p>\n HJR 207<\/a> \u2014 Property Tax Exemptions (25%)<\/p>\n House Joint Resolution 207 would apply a homestead exemption for non-school property taxes equal to 25% of the remaining assessed value after applying existing exemptions.<\/p>\n In addition, the amendment would prohibit local governments from reducing their law enforcement funding.<\/p>\n HJR 209<\/a> \u2014 Insured Home Exemptions<\/p>\n House Joint Resolution 209 increases homestead exemptions for non-school property taxes.<\/p>\n Under current law<\/a>, the property tax exemptions are imposed as follows:<\/p>\n Home\u2019s Assessed ValueApplicationFirst $25,000Exempt from all property taxes$25,000 – $50,000Taxable$50,000 – $75,000Exempt from all non-school taxesRemaining assessed valueTaxable<\/p>\n Instead of the $50,000 – $75,000 exemption range, though, HJR 209 would extend it to $25,000 – $200,000.<\/p>\n However, this only applies if the property is subject to a comprehensive homeowners insurance policy.<\/p>\n In addition, the amendment would prohibit local governments from reducing their funding for law enforcement, firefighters and first responders.<\/p>\n HJR 211<\/a> \u2014 Accrued Tax Benefits<\/p>\n House Joint Resolution 211 would allow the full value of the accrued benefit from special limitations on homestead property tax assessments to be transferred to a new homestead for non-school levies.<\/p>\n In addition, the amendment would prohibit local governments from reducing their law enforcement funding.<\/p>\n HJR 213<\/a> \u2014 Assessment Limits<\/p>\n House Joint Resolution 213 would limit homestead assessment increases for non-school property taxes to once every three years. <\/p>\n These assessments will be limited to either 3% or the change in inflation over this period \u2014 whichever is lower.<\/p>\n The proposal also limits assessment increases for non-homestead properties to 15% once every three years.<\/p>\n In addition, the amendment would prohibit local governments from reducing their law enforcement funding.<\/p>\n HJR 787<\/a> \u2014 Local Taxing Ban<\/p>\n House Joint Resolution 787 would take away the ability of counties and school districts to levy property taxes.<\/p>\n If approved, another bill associated with this proposal \u2014 HB 791<\/a> \u2014 would take effect at the same time as HJR 787.<\/p>\n HB 791 imposes a 5% transaction fee for all real estate sales, which would help counties make up for any funding lost due to property tax cuts.<\/p>\n HJR 793<\/a> \u2014 Housing Inheritance<\/p>\n House Joint Resolution 793 provides that a transfer of homestead property by inheritance is not considered a change of ownership when it comes to homestead property assessment.<\/p>\n If approved, another bill associated with this proposal \u2014 HB 795<\/a> \u2014 would take effect at the same time as HJR 787.<\/p>\n HB 795 clarifies that upon the death of a homeowner, this transfer is considered between the owner and another who makes the property his\/her homestead within one year.<\/p>\n