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Florida House Plan to Phase Out Homestead Property Taxes Over 10 Years Advances Toward Ballot

Unsettled fiscal details prompt Senate caution, with counties warning about core services.

Overview

  • Joint Resolution 203 would end homesteaded property taxes over a decade while preserving school levies, having cleared a committee and now moving toward a full vote before a potential November ballot question.
  • House Republicans, led by Speaker Danny Perez, are pressing multiple homeowner tax-cut concepts, including requirements to maintain law enforcement funding in local budgets.
  • Governor Ron DeSantis elevated the issue in his State of the State address but has not released a detailed plan with costs or implementation steps.
  • Senate President Ben Albritton supports letting voters decide yet is pushing for a single, mathematically defensible proposal given wide differences in how rural and urban counties rely on property taxes.
  • County and city leaders warn revenue losses could affect police, fire, parks, roads, and emergency response, while Democrats urge focus on insurance and housing costs as Rep. Toby Overdorf cites a $18 billion statewide tax increase over three years.