Florida's 80-30 Property Tax Vote

Ron Cardenas
3 days ago
3 min read

What It Means For Florida Homeowners

A major discussion is unfolding across the Sunshine State after the Florida House of Representatives passed a proposal with a decisive 80–30 vote aimed at significantly reducing property taxes for Florida homeowners.

Headlines across the state have been quick to suggest that Florida may be on the path to eliminating property taxes entirely, but the reality is a bit more nuanced.

What Actually Happened

The proposal passed by the Florida House seeks to eliminate many non-school property taxes for homesteaded properties, meaning primary residences that qualify for Florida’s homestead exemption.

If enacted in full, this could represent one of the largest property tax reforms in Florida’s history.

Supporters, including Ron DeSantis, argue that reducing property taxes would help homeowners keep more of their income and make homeownership more affordable across the state.

However, the proposal does not eliminate all property taxes. School district taxes would still remain in place under the current framework.

What Happens Next

Despite the overwhelming vote in the Florida House of Representatives, the proposal still has several major steps before it could become reality.

First, the measure must be approved by the Florida Senate.

If both chambers agree on the proposal, the issue would then go to Florida voters as a constitutional amendment, which requires 60% approval in a statewide election.

If voters approve the measure, the changes could potentially take effect in 2027 or later, depending on how the legislation is finalized.

For buyers, this kind of policy discussion can also influence long-term affordability and real estate demand across the state.

Why This Matters for Homeowners

Property taxes are one of the largest ongoing costs of owning a home. In many parts of Florida, annual tax bills have increased significantly as property values have risen.

If even a portion of these taxes were reduced or eliminated, it could mean:

Lower monthly ownership costs for homeowners
Increased demand for homes across Florida
Potential shifts in how local governments fund services such as infrastructure, fire departments, and community programs

For buyers, this kind of policy discussion can also influence long-term affordability and real estate demand across the state.

The Bottom Line

The 80–30 vote is a major step, but it is still just the beginning of the process.

Before any property tax changes occur, the proposal must move through the Florida Senate and ultimately be approved by voters statewide.

For now, Florida homeowners should view this as an important development worth watching, rather than an immediate change to their tax bill.

As the conversation continues, this proposal could become one of the most significant housing policy debates Florida has seen in decades.

Quick Tip for Florida Homeowners

With property tax season approaching, now is also a good time to make sure you’ve filed for Florida’s Florida Homestead Exemption if the home is your primary residence.

Homeowners who purchased a property in 2025 generally have until March 1 to file for the exemption for the 2026 tax year. The homestead exemption can reduce the taxable value of your home and may also cap how much that value can increase each year under the Save Our Homes Amendment.

If you recently bought a home and plan to make it your primary residence, filing for homestead can be one of the easiest ways to lower your future property tax bill. You can apply directly through your local county property appraiser’s office, and in many counties the application can be completed online in just a few minutes.