Florida House Pushes Forward Florida Property Tax Cuts Despite Bipartisan Criticism

The Florida House advanced a sweeping package of Florida property tax cuts on Thursday, even as officials from both parties and local governments warned of deep financial consequences for cities and counties across the state.

The Republican-led House Select Committee on Property Taxes approved seven proposed constitutional amendments—each designed to eliminate or reduce non-school homestead property taxes. If passed during the 2026 legislative session, the measures will go before voters in November 2026.

Alongside the amendments, lawmakers approved HB 215, which would require a two-thirds vote from local governments to raise tax rates and allow newly married couples to merge their Save Our Homes benefits. Unlike the amendments, HB 215 would not require voter approval.

The proposals originate from House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, who unveiled the package last month. Although the plan aligns politically with Gov. Ron DeSantis’ push for major property tax relief in 2026, the governor has openly criticized the House strategy. DeSantis has urged lawmakers to adopt one unified ballot measure instead of multiple amendments.

Local Governments Warn of Billions in Losses

Perez has argued that the House plan protects school and law-enforcement funding. But local governments emphasized that property taxes remain their primary financial lifeline.

Committee Chairman Toby Overdorf, R-Palm City, said property taxes have increased at an “unsustainable rate,” placing a heavy burden on families and businesses.

“It is time to put money back in the hands of Floridians,” Overdorf said, adding that lawmakers should trust voters to decide—even if local governments face “significant” operational adjustments.

But city officials warned the Legislature that billions in lost revenue would cripple essential services. Charles Chapman of the Florida League of Cities said the cuts would damage municipal bond ratings, driving up borrowing costs for infrastructure and repairs.

“Cities will be forced into difficult choices,” Chapman said. “And cutting homestead property taxes doesn’t actually give taxpayers more money—it simply shifts the burden elsewhere.”

Some proposals include eliminating all non-school homestead property taxes (HJR 201) and waiving these taxes entirely for seniors (HJR 205).

Democrats: Plan Will Raise Fees, Rent and Hurt Services

Democratic lawmakers argued that the House plan shifts the financial load onto businesses, renters and future homebuyers.

House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, D-Tampa, warned that cities could be forced to raise fees or increase sales taxes.

“Imagine the day a kid walks up to a public park and is told they can’t play without paying a fee,” Driskell said. She later echoed Gov. DeSantis’ criticism that the House proposals “confuse voters.”

Rep. Mike Gottlieb, D-Davie, added that the cuts would widen economic inequality.

“This sounds good on the surface, like we’re offering relief,” Gottlieb said. “But the relief goes to the one-percenters—people who already own homes. Not the families trying to buy their first one.”

Meanwhile, Rep. Judson Sapp, R-Green Cove Springs, said his constituents overwhelmingly support the Florida property tax cuts, insisting that homeowners are tired of “paying rent to the government.”

Port St. Lucie Vice Mayor Jolien Caraballo urged caution, saying that “broad property tax reform” could create unintended consequences for public services and future development.

As the Legislature prepares for a contentious 2026 ballot season, the debate over Florida property tax cuts is shaping up as one of the most consequential policy fights in the state.