You’ve probably seen the headlines lately about Florida basically trying to delete property taxes. It sounds like a fever dream or a campaign promise that’s too good to be true, right? Honestly, if you live in Florida, you’re used to the "no income tax" life, but the idea of waking up and not owing the county a few thousand bucks for the dirt under your feet is a whole different level of wild.
Governor Ron DeSantis has been leaning hard into this. He’s been talking about it like homeowners shouldn't have to pay "rent" to the government for a house they already own. That’s a powerful line. But as with everything in Tallahassee, the reality of ron desantis property taxes is a mix of massive, long-term goals and some smaller, immediate relief that’s actually happening right now in 2026.
The Big Goal: Can They Actually Eliminate It?
Let’s be real. Property taxes fund basically everything you see when you walk outside: cops, firefighters, trash pickup, and those local parks. The Florida House of Representatives has been floating some pretty aggressive proposals (like HJR 201) that would totally wipe out "non-school" property taxes for homesteaded properties.
Wait, what does "non-school" mean?
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Basically, even in the wildest "tax-free" scenario, you’d still likely be paying for schools. The school portion is a massive chunk of your bill. The proposal everyone is buzzing about targets the other half—the part that goes to the city and county. Analysts think this would strip about $14.1 billion from local budgets in just the first year. It’s a huge gamble.
Local governments are, unsurprisingly, freaking out. They’re warning that if this passes, your local library might close, or response times for an ambulance could get longer. Or, more likely, they’ll just find another way to get the money, like doubling the price of a building permit or jacking up utility fees.
What’s Happening Right Now (The 2025-2026 Reality)
While the "zero tax" dream is still a debate in the legislature, there are specific things DeSantis has already signed or is pushing that affect your wallet today.
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- The $1,000 Rebate: DeSantis proposed a one-time $1,000 property tax rebate for homesteaded properties. It’s meant to offset the 2025 school tax bills. If you’re one of the 5.1 million people with a homestead exemption, this is basically a "thank you for living here" check from the state’s budget surplus.
- Amendment 5 is Live: Voters passed this in late 2024, and it kicked in on January 1, 2025. It’s a bit technical, but basically, it adjusts your second $25,000 homestead exemption for inflation every year. If the cost of living goes up, your tax break goes up. It’s not going to buy you a new boat, but it might save you enough for a decent dinner out once a year.
- Senior Exemptions: There’s a big push for HJR 205, which would specifically target people 65 and older, exempting them from non-school property taxes entirely. If you’re retired on a fixed income, this is a game-changer.
The "Save Our Homes" Expansion
If you’ve lived in Florida for a while, you know the Save Our Homes cap is the holy grail. It keeps your assessed value from jumping more than 3% a year. But the problem has always been "portability." If you move, you can only take so much of that tax savings with you.
One of the current proposals on the 2026 legislative radar is HJR 211, which would remove the cap on portability entirely. Currently, it's capped at $500,000. Under the new plan, you could theoretically move from a home you've owned for 30 years into a new one and keep your entire tax benefit, no matter how much it's worth.
Why This Is Kinda Controversial
There is no such thing as a free lunch. If homeowners pay zero, someone else has to pay more. Critics, including many Democratic lawmakers and groups like the Florida Policy Institute, argue that these cuts shift the burden onto renters.
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Think about it: landlords don't get homestead exemptions. If the county loses billions in revenue from homeowners, they might keep the tax rates high (or raise them) for commercial properties and apartments. Landlords aren't just going to eat that cost—they’ll pass it right to the tenant. It’s a "hidden" tax on people who can least afford it.
Actionable Next Steps for Florida Homeowners
If you're trying to figure out how ron desantis property taxes changes actually impact your bank account, don't just wait for the bill in November. Here is what you should actually do:
- Verify Your Homestead Status: None of these big breaks apply if you haven't filed for your homestead exemption. Do it at your county property appraiser's office before the March 1st deadline.
- Watch the 2026 Ballot: Most of these massive changes require a constitutional amendment. That means you have to vote on them in November 2026. Keep an eye out for "HJR 201" or similar language on your ballot. It requires a 60% majority to pass.
- Check for Toll Credits: While not a property tax, DeSantis linked these "cost of living" reliefs. If you use a SunPass, make sure you're getting the credits for frequent commuters—it's often bundled into the same "tax relief" conversation.
- Budget for the "Reset": If you are buying a home right now, remember that the previous owner's "Save Our Homes" cap disappears the moment you buy. Your first tax bill will be based on the current market value, not what the old lady who lived there for 40 years was paying.
Florida’s tax landscape is shifting faster than a beach dune in a hurricane. Whether these moves are brilliant economic policy or a risky gutting of local services depends on who you ask, but for the average homeowner, the trend is clear: the state is trying to make staying in your house as cheap as possible.
Summary of Major Proposed Changes (2026 Legislative Session)
| Proposal | What it Does | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|
| HJR 201 | Eliminates all non-school property taxes | All Homestead Owners |
| HJR 205 | Total non-school tax exemption | Seniors (65+) |
| HJR 209 | Extra $100,000 exemption | Owners with Property Insurance |
| HJR 211 | Removes $500k Portability Cap | Long-time residents moving homes |
| HB 215 | Requires 2/3 vote for local tax hikes | Local City/County Commissions |
The 2026 session started on January 13, and these bills are moving fast. If you want your voice heard on whether your local fire department stays funded or your tax bill drops to near-zero, now is the time to call your local representative.
Don't ignore the fine print. While the headline says "No More Property Taxes," the reality is a complex web of exemptions, inflation adjustments, and school board levies that aren't going anywhere just yet. Stay informed by checking your specific county property appraiser's website, as they are the ones who actually calculate the final number on your "TRIM" notice every August.