Is Florida’s property tax cut proposal dead? Here’s what to know

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Despite many different property tax cut proposals being brought forward this year, it appears as though none of them will ultimately pass.

There were nearly a dozen such plans introduced in the House, though only one — HJR 203 — actually managed to get approved.

The proposed bill would have exempted all homestead properties from non-school property taxes, while also prohibiting local governments from reducing 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.

[BELOW: Waffle House bans Florida governor candidate from all restaurants in the state]

After passing through all of its committees, the bill was ultimately approved by House lawmakers late last month by a vote of 80-30.

However, the bill has stalled in the Senate.

And with the end of the regular Legislative session on Friday, any unpassed bills — HJR 203 included — will die.

IS IT THE END?

Maybe not.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has been a vocal proponent of property tax cuts, is planning a special session on redistricting for late April. Property taxes could be added to that session.

[BELOW: Florida Legislative session going to extra innings]

Beyond that, Florida lawmakers will have to stay in Tallahassee anyway, as the budget is still not ready — something that is constitutionally required.

About $1.4 billion separates the two chambers on the budget: the Florida House wants a smaller budget at $113.6 billion, while the Senate wants a $115 billion budget.

The current budget expires on June 30, and if the legislature doesn’t get a budget passed, there could be a state government shutdown, which would halt non-essential services like state parks and road projects.

HOW WOULD PROPERTY TAX CUTS BE DONE?

Because property taxes are a local issue, it would take an amendment to the state’s constitution for Florida lawmakers to actually cut them statewide.

This means that 60% of Florida voters would have to approve such an amendment.

Proponents posit that property taxes act as a form of “rent” to the government and unduly burden homeowners in the state, who already have to deal with higher insurance costs.

[BELOW: News 6 speaks with CFO Blaise Ingoglia about property tax impacts]

On the other hand, critics argue that cuts would harm local services, including first responders and parks.

Back in January, DeSantis proposed on Fox & Friends how property taxes could be most effectively introduced.

• State Fund Replacements: Excess state funding could be used to help offset any losses from property tax cuts.
• Homesteads Only: Any property tax cuts would only be for primary homesteads, which aren’t the biggest source of property tax revenue.
• Exposing Local “Waste”: The governor’s DOGE audit task force has been uncovering “waste, fraud and abuse” in local government spending across the state to pressure local governments into reducing their budgets.

[BELOW: Florida CFO Ingoglia discusses “wasteful spending” in news conference]