Florida Legislature Shakes Up Property Taxes: House Advances Proposals as Senate Weighs In

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) — A significant development unfolded at the statehouse this week as lawmakers gathered to discuss the house’s new property tax proposals. This initial meeting opened the floor to a wide array of opposition and diverse opinions.

The legislative body is considering various options aimed at reducing or potentially eliminating property taxes altogether. Among the proposed ideas are the complete removal of homestead property taxes, special considerations for first-time homebuyers, and targeted benefits for senior citizens.

Committee Chair State Rep. Toby Overdorf, R-Palm City, emphasized the importance of these discussions, stating, “It’s time to put money back in the hands of Floridians.” His remarks underline the intention of the proposals to alleviate the financial burden on residents.

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding these initiatives, Overdorf cautioned that there is still a lengthy process ahead before any of the proposals can be finalized or implemented. The debate marks the beginning of what promises to be a complex journey toward potential tax reform in Florida.

However, no matter the timeline, Democrats made it known they were openly opposed to every proposal discussed Thursday morning.

“We should not be putting our local governments in a situation where we are taking away tools, only to have them shift that burden in some other way. That’s actually going to have the most adverse impacts on the people who need our help the most,” said State Rep. Fentrice Driskell, D-Tampa.

Eight lawmakers came to the podium to present their bills and with no surprise, the one driving the most attention looks to immediately eliminate non-school homestead property taxes.

“If we don’t do it now, when do we do it? If it’s not us then who is it? I think we need to start addressing things today and not tomorrow,” said State Rep. Kevin Steele, R-Dade City.

Representative Steele, who is now running for the state’s Chief Financial Officer position in 2026, echoed remarks heard in the past from Governor Ron DeSantis.

DeSantis kicked off the property tax conversation earlier in the year, saying he wanted immediate relief for Floridians and that its unfair homeowners are required to pay rent to the government.

Steele’s bill HJR 201, eliminates non-school homestead property taxes.

HB 215 by Rep. Albert makes various statutory changes including requiring a 2/3 vote
for any increase in the millage rate and allowing newly married couples to combine their accumulated Save Our Homes benefits.

HJR 203 by Rep. Miller phases out non-school homestead property taxes over a 10-year period. Each year homeowners would receive an additional $100,000 exemption.
After 10 years, all non-school homestead property taxes would be eliminated.

HJR 205 by Rep. Porras exempts Florida residents over the age of 65 from paying non-school homestead property taxes.

HJR 209 by Rep. Busatta creates a new property insurance relief homestead tax
exemption. Homestead property owners who have property insurance will be entitled to an additional $100,000 exemption on non-school property taxes.

HJR 207 by Rep. Abbott creates a new homestead exemption for non-school property
taxes equal to 25% of the assessed value of the house. In addition to providing relief to current homeowners, it would also benefit first-time homebuyers.

HJR 211 by Rep. Overdorf eliminates the cap on portability, allowing a homeowner to
transfer their entire accumulated Save Our Homes benefit to their new home, even if
that home has a lesser value.

HJR 213 by Rep. Griffitts limits the growth in assessed value of non-school homestead
property taxes to 3% over three years for homestead property (currently it is 3% per
year) and 15% over three years for non-homestead property (currently it is 10% per
year).

Not only did lawmakers get a chance to debate the issues, local officials and Floridians around the state also weighed in, who overwhelmingly opposed each of the proposals, saying the options so far may look good on the surface but stir up deeper issues.

“The state has so many resources that it can collect to help Florida’s working families and perhaps find ways to alleviate the need for property taxes, but we just don’t do it,’ said Dr. Rich Templin, AFL-CIO.

Despite the pushback, each of the eight proposals were reported favorably and will move along to their next committee stops.

As for the Senate, they met this week in committee too, saying they will continue to move slow and educate before taking any further action. Instead of putting out proposals, they heard from State Economist Amy Baker on property tax impacts.

In an interview with 8 On Your Side, Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, spoke out on the task at hand for the first time in months.

“What the Senate is doing, we are working internally; we are working to understand all the proposals that the Florida house came out with. We’re working closely with them, working closely with the governor to try and figure out what can we put on the ballot,” Albritton said.

Albritton said the property tax issue all boils down to affordability. And as lawmakers try and meet the needs of the people, he wants to make sure that critical services are not impacted, real relief is provided, and that the ballot language is clear and easy to understand for Florida voters.

“I believe we can get there, I am optimistic about it,” Albritton said.

DeSantis has made it clear he is not on board with any of the House proposals so far.

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