Floridians To Vote On Property Tax Repeal In November

BIPARTISAN AGREEMENT: Great for homeowners. Not great for local governments, renters…

BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2026 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ pitch to dramatically reduce property tax in Florida now goes to the voters — after the Florida House and Senate passed a modified version of the Governor’s proposal during a special session on Tuesday. More than 60% of those voting during the general election in November must vote in favor of the measure for it to become part of the Florida constitution.

The proposal would increase homestead exemptions from $50,000 to $150,000 in its first year, then $250,000 in year two. Estimates suggest that would completely eliminate property tax for 60-percent of homeowners in the State of Florida. The problem: that property tax money is used by local governments to fund operations in a state where there is no personal income tax. While schools, police, and fire-rescue departments have returned to the list agencies that will continue to be funded at the local level, other agencies and services have not. The impact county-to county remains unclear, but there is bipartisan agreement that local governments will be dramatically impacted.

The Florida Policy Institute and the Florida Education Association both issued statements Tuesday opposing the property tax plan which is still expected to impact educators, schools, and public servants. Many of the people who need relief the most — residents living in apartments — also will not benefit from the plan. Conversely, homeowners stand to benefit dramatically. A house valued at $1M will eventually be taxed as if it’s valued at $750,000 if voters approve the measure.

Lawmakers voted largely along party lines on Tuesday, with two Democrats voting with Republicans. Both parties acknowledge that the 60-percent threshold is extremely high and passage in November is not a sure thing.