Florida property tax elimination is under review as state lawmakers, including Rep. Toby Overdorf, discuss whether ending property taxes is financially viable for residents and local governments. The proposal to abolish property taxes has sparked debate across St. Lucie County Government and the state, with questions about how cities and counties would replace lost revenue, especially given the reasons behind St. Lucie County’s high property taxes.
Florida Property Tax Elimination: Lawmakers Consider Options
The idea to eliminate Florida property taxes gained attention after Governor Ron DeSantis expressed support for reducing homeowners’ financial burdens. However, city and county officials have raised concerns about the impact on public services if property tax revenue disappears, according to official sources.
On September 10, 2025, Rep. Toby Overdorf (R-Stuart) spoke with WPTV about the ongoing discussions in the Florida Legislature. Overdorf, who co-chairs the Florida House Select Committee on Property Taxes, emphasized that the primary goal is to save taxpayers money while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Constitutional Amendment Required for Major Changes
According to Overdorf, any significant change to Florida property taxes would require a constitutional amendment. “We must formulate a constitutional amendment that will then go to the voters next November,” Overdorf told WPTV.
The committee he leads is tasked with evaluating the feasibility and consequences of eliminating or reducing property taxes throughout Florida, including Port St. Lucie and the Treasure Coast. For residents seeking clarity, understanding the key facts about St. Lucie County property taxes is essential as legislative discussions continue.
Concerns Over Fiscal Responsibility and Local Funding
Rep. Overdorf stated that two main ideas have been considered unrealistic by the committee. The first is issuing refund checks from the general fund to taxpayers, which he described as a temporary solution. “We feel it’s really a band-aid, and it’s not something that would solve the issue. It would be a temporary band-aid,” Overdorf said, according to WPTV’s report.
The second idea, a complete revocation of property taxes, was also dismissed by Overdorf as not fiscally responsible. He explained that such a move could jeopardize essential services funded by property taxes, including public education and emergency services in St. Lucie County and other regions.
Local Leaders Express Concerns
City and county leaders across Florida have voiced worries about how to make up for the lost revenue if property taxes are eliminated. According to WPTV, officials fear that the absence of property tax funding could disrupt local budgets and essential services.
Some officials have warned that alternative taxes, such as sales or income taxes, may need to be increased to compensate for the shortfall, potentially shifting the tax burden to other residents or sectors.
Alternative Proposals and Committee Deliberations
While the elimination of property taxes remains under discussion, lawmakers are also considering a range of alternative proposals. Overdorf noted that the committee has received many ideas, including adjustments to the homestead exemption or creating a percentage-based property tax relief option.
- Increasing the homestead exemption for homeowners
- Implementing a percentage-based reduction in property taxes
- Exploring other sources of local government revenue
Overdorf stated that, as of September 10, the committee had not received any written proposals from Governor DeSantis. The committee is expected to hold meetings on September 22-23, 2025, to discuss findings from visits to various cities and counties.
Separate Efforts by State Officials
Florida’s new Chief Financial Officer, Blaise Ingoglia, is also exploring ways to reduce property taxes. Ingoglia told WPTV, “We’re going to prove to them there is enough waste and abuse in the system so they can offer property tax relief.” His approach focuses on identifying potential savings within local government budgets. For more information on the financial oversight and initiatives, residents can consult the Florida Department of Financial Services.
These efforts are separate from the House Select Committee’s work, but both aim to find effective solutions for property tax relief in Florida, including Port St. Lucie and surrounding areas. Notably, Port St. Lucie has recently lowered its tax rate in response to rising homeowner costs, reflecting ongoing local efforts to address these challenges.
Potential Impact on St. Lucie County and the Treasure Coast
St. Lucie County has one of the highest property tax rates in Florida, according to previous WPTV reports. Residents and officials in Port St. Lucie and the wider Treasure Coast are closely watching the legislative process, as any changes could significantly affect local budgets and services.
According to a preliminary review by the House Select Committee, eliminating property taxes could require major adjustments in how local governments fund schools, law enforcement, and infrastructure. Officials reported that alternative funding mechanisms would need to be considered to avoid service disruptions.
Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps
The House Select Committee on Property Taxes is gathering input from across the state. According to official sources, the committee’s findings and any proposed constitutional amendments will be subject to public review and a statewide vote if advanced.
Details may be updated as the investigation continues. Residents are encouraged to follow official updates from the Florida Legislature and local government agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Property Tax Elimination
What is the current status of Florida property tax elimination?
Lawmakers are reviewing proposals to reduce or eliminate property taxes in Florida. The House Select Committee on Property Taxes is holding meetings to discuss options, but no final decision has been made.
How much do property taxes contribute to local budgets in Port St. Lucie?
Property taxes are a major source of funding for local governments in Port St. Lucie and St. Lucie County. They support schools, emergency services, and public infrastructure.
Are there alternatives to property taxes being considered?
Yes, lawmakers are considering options like increasing the homestead exemption or using percentage-based reductions. Some officials have also discussed raising other taxes to replace lost revenue.
Can you eliminate property taxes without affecting public services?
According to officials, eliminating property taxes would likely impact services unless new funding sources are found. Local leaders warn that schools and emergency services could be affected.
Where are the highest property tax rates in Florida?
St. Lucie County has some of the highest property tax rates in the state, according to WPTV and local government reports. Residents in the Treasure Coast region are particularly affected by any proposed changes.
Port St Lucie Talks
