TALLAHASSEE, Fla. \u2013 On Thursday, lawmakers said OK to seven constitutional amendments aimed at property tax reform in Florida.<\/p>\n
These proposals \u2014 all filed last month<\/a> \u2014 went before the Houses\u2019 Republican-majority Select Committee on Property Taxes on Thursday afternoon, with lawmakers voting along partisan lines.<\/p>\n All seven of the proposed amendments aim to slash property taxes for homeowners, whether by direct exemptions, phaseouts, or assessment limits.<\/p>\n [BELOW: Florida lawmakers debate eliminating property taxes]<\/p>\n However, a common feature among them is that they all prohibit local governments from cutting law enforcement budgets simply due to lower property tax revenue.<\/p>\n Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has been a vocal proponent of reducing property taxes<\/a> in the state, calling on lawmakers earlier this year to put a constitutional measure on the ballot in 2026. <\/p>\n Property taxes are local, not state. So we\u2019d need to do a constitutional amendment (requires 60% of voters to approve) to eliminate them (which I would support) or even to reform\/lower them\u2026<\/p>\n We should put the boldest amendment on the ballot that has a chance of getting that\u2026 https:\/\/t.co\/WpOQmjNl0X<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) February 13, 2025<\/a> <\/p>\n However, the governor has been critical of the House\u2019s multiple proposals, instead pushing for a single, comprehensive amendment to avoid confusion. <\/p>\n Regardless, property taxes are a local issue, used to fund services like law enforcement and fire departments. As such, any action by the state would require an amendment, which needs support from 60% of voters in the next election to take effect.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, all seven of the House proposals are now set to be considered by the State Affairs Committee. You can find the full list of these proposals below:<\/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 203<\/a> \u2014 Phased-Out Property Taxes<\/p>\n House Joint Resolution 203 would increase the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes by $100,000 per year for 10 years.<\/p>\n Afterward, the amendment would make all homestead properties exempt from non-school property taxes beginning on Jan. 1, 2037.<\/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 Property Insurance Relief<\/p>\n House Joint Resolution 209 increases homestead exemptions for non-school property taxes by $100,000.<\/p>\n However, this only applies if the property is subject to a comprehensive multiperil insurance policy.<\/p>\n In addition, the amendment would prohibit local governments from reducing their law enforcement funding.<\/p>\n