Committee Discusses Property Tax Reform

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Voters may get the chance to weigh in on eliminating property taxes in the 2026 election. State lawmakers met for the first time in a new select committee to discuss property tax relief.

"This process is not about ego or pride of authorship or credit. This is about bringing the very best proposals before the people of Florida so that they have an opportunity to decide their own fate," said House Speaker Daniel Perez (R-Miami).

As lawmakers head into an extended session for May, they will not only be negotiating the state's budget, but property taxes may also be a focus point for many at the statehouse.

"This property stuff needs to be addressed," said Gov. Ron DeSantis when he announced his plans for tax relief.

Property taxes are at the center of debate between the governor, House, and Senate leadership.

"Several months ago, Gov. DeSantis introduced the exciting and provocative idea of abolishing property taxes in Florida," said Speaker Perez.

Perez called out DeSantis for putting the issue of property taxes on the table, but no policy or plan to carry it out.

However, in DeSantis' proposal to eliminate property taxes, he said it would save $1,000 for homestead homeowners in the Sunshine State.

But Perez wants to take matters into his own hands with a new select House Committee to dive deeper into the matter.

"I expect this select committee to dive deep to ask the hard questions and to listen to the critics and get creative," said Speaker Perez.

Committee members already met for the first time Friday, May 2, discussing five proposals for property tax reform, all of which will require a constitutional amendment.

"We have so much to do in such very little time," said State Rep. Vicki Lopez, co-chair of the select committee.

House Speaker Perez shared information on each proposal so far:

1. Requiring every city, county and special district to hold a referendum on the elimination of homestead property taxes.

This would allow the taxpayers and the taxing authorities to have an open and honest conversation about what services they are receiving for their taxes and whether they wish to continue to pay those taxes. In the United States of America, no taxes should be levied unless the people choose to allow themselves to be taxed.

2. Creating a new $500,000 homestead property tax exemption for non-school property taxes. That $500,000 exemption would be increased to $1,000,000 for homeowners who are over 65 years of age or who have had a homestead in Florida for over 30 years.

This proposal would provide expansive, broad-based property tax relief for working- and middle-class Floridians and provide enhanced protections for our seniors and long-term homeowners.

3. Authorizing the state Legislature to raise the amount of the homestead exemption by state statute.

This change would allow them to address issues related to property taxes without having to go to the ballot.

4. Enhancing Florida's assessment limitation caps for homestead and non-homestead properties. We could change the homestead assessment cap from 3% per year to 3% every three years. For non-homestead assessments, we would adjust the cap from 10% per year to 15% every three years.

This proposal would not only provide Floridians with stability in their tax payments, but it would also significantly slow the growth of local government revenues and spending.

5. Prohibit the government from foreclosing on a homestead property for unpaid taxes.

One of the cornerstones of housing policy in Florida has been the sanctity of the homestead. This change would put the government on the same footing as private sector creditors and ensure that the government cannot kick any Floridian out of their home due to their inability to pay a tax.

"I think we have to be really cautiously optimistic about efforts to reduce the tax burden. We're also realizing the end of the day, that our constituents wanna see responsive police, they wanna see responsive fighters, they want to see high-quality public education and road improvement. How do you pay for that?" said State Representative Anna V. Eskamani (D-Orlando).

The five proposals are just the starting point for lawmakers. Nothing is set in stone.

The committee will gather data throughout the spring, summer, and fall, to then introduce a House Joint Resolution or several resolutions that will be heard in week one at the start of the next session.

Perez said he intends to pass the House Property Tax plan in the first week of session in the new year and then head to the 2026 November ballot.

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