Is Florida getting rid of property taxes? How it could affect homeowners

Florida House Representative Monique Miller introduced a bill to phase out property taxes by increasing the homestead exemption by $100,000 each year for ten years, starting in 2027. The proposal, which would have exempted homeowners from all property taxes except school district levies, died in appropriations on March 13, 2025, but it sparked discussions about long-term tax reform. The bill aimed to provide gradual relief while allowing local governments time to adjust, as property taxes generate $55.18 billion annually in Florida. Without property taxes, local budgets would rely more heavily on sales taxes or face cuts to services like law enforcement and firefighting. A constitutional amendment would require 60% voter approval, and a University of North Florida poll showed only 49% support among voters. Governor Ron DeSantis has championed property tax relief, proposing $1,000 rebates for homeowners in 2025 as part of his goal to eventually eliminate property taxes. His office framed property taxes as an unfair burden, calling for voter approval in 2026 for constitutional changes. Meanwhile, schools—which depend on local property tax funding for about 46% of their budgets—could face funding gaps if taxes are eliminated. Legislative efforts like HJR 203 have repeatedly failed, and no clear revenue replacement plan has been agreed upon. The Florida Chamber of Commerce warns that removing property taxes would shift financial pressure to sales taxes or force budget reductions. Without voter and lawmaker consensus, the idea remains stalled despite ongoing debates in Tallahassee.