Florida lawmakers are actively considering property tax changes that could impact millions of residents statewide. The ongoing debate over property tax reform has drawn attention from homeowners, local governments, and advocacy groups, as the state explores new options for tax relief and public funding.
Florida Property Tax Changes Under Review
The topic of Florida property tax changes has become a central issue for state officials in 2025. According to a preliminary report from the Florida Legislature, Governor Ron DeSantis has strongly endorsed efforts to reduce the property tax burden on homeowners. “I want property tax relief more than anything, and that’s what we’re going to deliver,” DeSantis stated during a public address earlier this year.
DeSantis has argued that local governments are placing excessive tax demands on residents, especially those with a homestead exemption. He has questioned the fairness of requiring homeowners to pay ongoing taxes on their primary residences. In St. Lucie County, for example, high property taxes have become a major concern for many homeowners, prompting further discussion about statewide reforms.
Legislative Committee Examines Property Tax Reform
State lawmakers have formed a special Florida House of Representatives committee to examine potential property tax changes in Florida. Republican Representative Toby Overdorf of Palm City and Representative Vicki Lopez of Miami are co-chairs of the Select Committee on Property Taxes. The committee convened at the Florida Capitol in late September 2025 to review the state’s property tax structure and hear testimony from local officials and policy experts.
During the committee meetings, Overdorf raised concerns about how some local governments manage taxpayer funds. “There are cities that are doing it right and that are spending the taxpayer dollars equivocally, and there are others that aren’t,” Overdorf said, according to official House transcripts. In response, some localities have taken steps to address these issues; for instance, Port St. Lucie has lowered its tax rate to help offset rising homeowner costs.
Local Governments Warn of Service Impacts
Local officials have cautioned that significant property tax reductions could threaten essential public services. According to testimony from the Florida League of Cities, property taxes are a primary funding source for education, public safety, and other community services.
Casey Cook, representing the League, emphasized that city budgets reflect resident priorities. “Waste is in the eye of the beholder, and the way that cities budget, they budget based on the priorities expressed by their residents,” Cook said during the hearing. “Cities are forced to operate in the sunshine.”
Proposals for Property Tax Relief in Florida
While the exact details of future property tax changes in Florida remain uncertain, several proposals are under discussion. The nonprofit Florida Policy Institute has reported that one option is to eliminate property taxes on primary residences. According to the Institute, this would create a revenue shortfall of approximately $18.5 billion per year for counties, cities, and school districts.
Sadaf Knight, CEO of the Florida Policy Institute, told lawmakers that property taxes are essential for funding critical local services. “These property taxes are very important for our local communities, for school districts, for providing really critical and important services that we all depend on,” Knight said, according to official meeting notes. For St. Lucie County residents, understanding the key facts about local property taxes can help clarify how these changes might affect them.
Balancing Affordability and Public Funding
Knight and other experts have suggested that lawmakers should address broader affordability issues, such as housing and property insurance costs, rather than focusing exclusively on property tax reductions. “It’s not eliminating property tax or significantly reducing property tax, which, in turn, is just going to negatively impact all of us anyway,” Knight said.
Some residents have echoed these concerns. Jacksonville homeowner Suzi Stone, a retired pharmacy representative, stated that rising insurance premiums have had a greater impact on her finances than property taxes. “For me personally, the real problem is not property taxes. It’s my homeowners insurance. My homeowners insurance has gone up, exponentially, at a greater rate than my property taxes have,” Stone said in an interview with WUSF.
Targeted Relief for Older Floridians
Lawmakers are also considering targeted property tax relief for seniors and retirees. According to committee discussions, some proposals would provide tax breaks for older Floridians who have paid property taxes for many years. Margie Morrison Richardson, a retired resident of Carrabelle, supports this approach. “I believe that after you get to a certain age, you’ve paid your debt, you know, give us a break. We work hard. We’ve paid our taxes,” Richardson told reporters.
However, Richardson and others note that high property taxes and insurance costs have made it difficult to afford living in Florida. She said that prices have risen so much that even selling a home has become challenging.
Next Steps: 2026 Ballot Measures
According to official sources, any major property tax changes in Florida will ultimately require voter approval. Proposals are expected to appear on the 2026 statewide election ballot. Lawmakers are expected to continue hearings and debate throughout 2025, with more information to be released as plans develop.
Details may be updated as the legislative process continues. For more information, residents can follow updates from the Florida Legislature and official state agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Property Tax Changes
What are the proposed property tax changes in Florida?
Lawmakers are considering options such as reducing property taxes on primary homes or providing targeted relief for seniors. The exact proposals are still being discussed in legislative committees.
How much revenue do property taxes generate for Florida communities?
According to the Florida Policy Institute, eliminating property taxes on primary residences could cost local governments around $18.5 billion per year. Property taxes help fund schools, public safety, and other services.
Are there plans to eliminate property taxes entirely in Florida?
Some proposals suggest removing property taxes on primary homes, but no final decision has been made. Any major change would need approval from Florida voters in a statewide election.
Can you get property tax relief if you are a senior in Florida?
Lawmakers are discussing targeted property tax relief for older adults and retirees. Details are still being developed, and any changes would be subject to legislative approval and possibly a public vote.
Where are official updates about Florida property tax changes available?
Residents can find official updates on the Florida Legislature’s website and through state agencies. News outlets and advocacy groups also provide information as the situation develops.
Port St Lucie Talks
