TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – 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.
That bill — HJR 203 — would exempt all homestead properties from non-school property taxes starting on Jan. 1, 2027.
Recommended Videos
In addition, the amendment would prohibit local governments from reducing their law enforcement funding.
“This ensures that essential public safety services remain unaffected,” wrote state Rep. Monique Miller (R-Palm Bay), who filed the bill back in October.
After passing through all of its committees, the bill was ultimately approved by House lawmakers on Thursday by a vote of 80-30.
WHAT’S NEXT?
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.
That said, Gov. Ron DeSantis — a vocal proponent of property tax cuts — announced on Thursday that he’s working with state Senators to get a proposal approved.
Regarding a property tax proposal for the 2026 ballot: we’ve been working with members of the Senate who have been great partners.
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) February 19, 2026
Given that it can’t be voted on by the people before November, it’s better to do it right than do it quick!
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.
And if it gets that far, the amendment is slated to take effect next year.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER PROPOSALS?
While these other proposals haven’t made it nearly as far as HJR 203, House members have also put forward the following amendments for the 2026 ballot:
HJR 201 — Eliminating Property Taxes
House Joint Resolution 201 would establish a homestead exemption for all non-school property taxes.
In addition, the amendment would prohibit local governments from reducing their law enforcement funding.
HJR 205 — Property Tax Exemptions (Seniors)
House Joint Resolution 205 would exempt residents ages 65 and over from paying non-school taxes on their homes.
In addition, the amendment would prohibit local governments from reducing their law enforcement funding.
HJR 207 — Property Tax Exemptions (25%)
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.
In addition, the amendment would prohibit local governments from reducing their law enforcement funding.
HJR 209 — Insured Home Exemptions
House Joint Resolution 209 increases homestead exemptions for non-school property taxes.
Under current law, the property tax exemptions are imposed as follows:
| Home’s Assessed Value | Application |
|---|---|
| First $25,000 | Exempt from all property taxes |
| $25,000 - $50,000 | Taxable |
| $50,000 - $75,000 | Exempt from all non-school taxes |
| Remaining assessed value | Taxable |
Instead of the $50,000 - $75,000 exemption range, though, HJR 209 would extend it to $25,000 - $200,000.
However, this only applies if the property is subject to a comprehensive homeowners insurance policy.
In addition, the amendment would prohibit local governments from reducing their funding for law enforcement, firefighters and first responders.
HJR 211 — Accrued Tax Benefits
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.
In addition, the amendment would prohibit local governments from reducing their law enforcement funding.
HJR 213 — Assessment Limits
House Joint Resolution 213 would limit homestead assessment increases for non-school property taxes to once every three years.
These assessments will be limited to either 3% or the change in inflation over this period — whichever is lower.
The proposal also limits assessment increases for non-homestead properties to 15% once every three years.
In addition, the amendment would prohibit local governments from reducing their law enforcement funding.
HJR 787 — Local Taxing Ban
House Joint Resolution 787 would take away the ability of counties and school districts to levy property taxes.
If approved, another bill associated with this proposal — HB 791 — would take effect at the same time as HJR 787.
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.
HJR 793 — Housing Inheritance
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.
If approved, another bill associated with this proposal — HB 795 — would take effect at the same time as HJR 787.
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.
HJR 903 — Non-Homestead Valuations
House Joint Resolution 903 reduces the maximum percentage that the assessed value of non-homestead properties may be increased annually, from 10% to 3%.
HJR 1411 — Lowered Property Values
House Joint Resolution 1411 prohibits any additional increases in the assessed value of properties in the state if the just valuation of such a property has gone down since the previous assessment.
This refers to homestead and non-homestead properties that are subject to the current 3% and 10% assessment limitations, respectively.