Florida Property Tax Reform 2026

Florida Property Tax Debate 2026: What Homeowners Need to Know About Proposed Reforms

Florida is currently midway through the 2026 legislative session, and one of the biggest issues under discussion is property tax reform. For many homeowners across the state, rising property tax bills have created financial pressure and uncertainty.

Over the past decade, property tax collections in Florida have increased significantly. In just the last three years alone, levies have reportedly risen by close to 40%, contributing to an estimated $60 billion collected annually statewide. While local governments often attribute these increases to rising home values and funding requirements for public services, many homeowners are asking an important question:

Are services improving at the same pace as tax collections?

This article breaks down the key proposals currently being debated and what they could mean for Florida property owners.

Why Property Taxes Are a Major Issue in Florida

Property taxes fund essential public services including:

• Public schools
• Police and fire departments
• Infrastructure maintenance
• Local government operations

However, as property values have grown rapidly across Florida, especially after the housing surge of recent years, tax bills have followed. Even homeowners who have no mortgage sometimes report feeling like they are still making ongoing “payments” due to property taxes.

This concern has fueled calls for reform — including proposals to reduce or eliminate homestead property taxes.

Key Bills Under Discussion in 2026

Several legislative proposals have been introduced during this session. Here’s a simplified overview.

HJR 203 – Gradual Homestead Exemption Increase

HJR 203 proposes gradually increasing the homestead exemption over a 10-year period. If fully implemented, this could significantly reduce the taxable value of owner-occupied homes.

However, the proposal maintains school district property taxes, which represent approximately 40–45% of most property tax bills. That means total elimination of property taxes would not occur under this measure.

Supporters call it a step forward. Critics argue it does not go far enough.

HJR 201 – Partial Reform Approach

HJR 201 has also been discussed as a reform measure. Similar to HJR 203, it reduces certain portions of property taxes but excludes school taxes.

For example:

• A homeowner paying $6,000 annually
• With roughly 45% attributed to school taxes

Even after reform, that homeowner might still owe approximately $2,700 per year.

While this reduces the overall bill, it does not eliminate it.

HJR 787 and HB 791 – Elimination with Revenue Replacement

Another proposal, HJR 787 alongside HB 791, seeks broader elimination of homestead property taxes. However, it includes a potential 5% transaction fee on real estate sales to help replace lost revenue.

For example:

• Selling a $400,000 home
• Could result in a $20,000 transaction tax under a 5% fee structure

This approach has generated debate. Supporters argue it’s a necessary revenue replacement mechanism. Critics believe it could discourage real estate transactions and create additional financial burdens.

The Budget Question: Can Florida Afford It?

One of the most contentious arguments involves whether Florida could realistically eliminate homestead property taxes without significantly disrupting services.

Supporters of elimination argue:

• Government audits have uncovered wasteful or inefficient spending in certain jurisdictions.
• Expanding financial oversight statewide could free up billions in savings.

Opponents argue:

• Property taxes are a stable funding source.
• Removing them would require major restructuring of state and local budgets.
• Replacement revenue would likely be needed elsewhere.

Current estimates suggest eliminating homestead property taxes could cost approximately $18 billion per year in revenue.

Whether potential waste reduction could offset that amount remains a topic of ongoing policy discussion.

Political Landscape: House vs. Senate

As of mid-session:

• The Florida House has advanced certain reform measures.
• The Florida Senate has taken a more measured approach.
• Governor Ron DeSantis has publicly expressed support for stronger tax relief measures.

However, legislation must pass both chambers before reaching the Governor’s desk. If no consensus is reached before the session deadline, the issue could carry into a special session.

What This Means for Homeowners

If you’re a Florida homeowner, here’s what to keep in mind:

1. No proposal has fully eliminated homestead property taxes yet.
2. Some bills would reduce taxes gradually.
3. Others shift revenue collection to real estate transactions.
4. The final outcome is still uncertain.

It’s important to follow official legislative updates through trusted sources such as:

• The Florida Senate website
• The Florida House of Representatives website
• Official statements from state leadership

How Citizens Can Stay Involved

Property tax reform affects nearly every Florida homeowner. If you want your voice heard:

• Contact your state representative or senator.
• Review proposed legislation directly.
• Attend public meetings or town halls.
• Stay informed through reliable news coverage.

Constructive civic engagement remains one of the most effective ways to influence public policy.

The debate over property taxes in Florida highlights a broader question:

How should government services be funded while ensuring affordability for homeowners?

While some lawmakers advocate for gradual reductions, others push for more comprehensive elimination plans. The coming weeks of the legislative session will likely determine whether 2026 becomes a turning point for Florida property tax policy — or whether the issue continues into future sessions.

For homeowners, staying informed and engaged is key.

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