The Florida House moved to abolish property taxes for homesteaded primary residences after passing a joint resolution that could eliminate non-school property taxes starting January 1, 2027.
The measure, which passed with an 80-30 vote along party lines, would effectively remove the portion of tax bills that funds county and city operations, leaving only the school district portion intact. “After looking at the numbers, it became incredibly clear that we have the ability to do this without putting undue burdens on local government, and I believe that it can be done,” stated the proposal’s sponsor, Representative Monique Miller.
The plan specifically targets primary residences, meaning vacation homes, rental properties, and commercial buildings would still be subject to standard taxation. To protect public safety during this massive revenue shift, the resolution includes a constitutional protection that forbids local governments from cutting budgets for police, firefighters, and other first responders below their current levels. However, the financial impact is undeniable; state analysts predict a recurring loss of nearly $15 billion for local municipalities by the 2027-28 fiscal year. Miller has urged local leaders to find a way to do “more with less,” though critics argue this could lead to significant hikes in sales taxes or other local fees to bridge the gap.
While the House has signaled its readiness for a tax-free Florida, the proposal faces a difficult path ahead. To reach the November ballot, it must secure a three-fifths majority in the Florida Senate, where leadership has expressed caution.
Senator Ed Hooper, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, noted that the Senate plans to introduce its own version, adding, “it won’t be as generous.” Furthermore, Governor Ron DeSantis has hinted that he prefers a more unified approach for tax relief rather than multiple competing ballot measures, suggesting that a special legislative session might be necessary to finalize a plan that both chambers can support.
If the House and Senate eventually reach an agreement, the final decision will rest with Florida voters. Because this change requires a constitutional amendment, it must receive at least 60% approval during the 2026 general election. Supporters believe the move is the only way to solve Florida’s housing affordability crisis, while opponents, like Representative Rita Harris, call it a dangerous gamble that threatens the stability of local communities.
“We are defunding the state of Florida,” Harris warned during the floor debate. As the legislative session enters its final weeks, the focus shifts to whether the Senate will find common ground with the House’s aggressive timeline.
