A Florida House committee has advanced Gov. Ron DeSantis’ property tax proposal while adding new protections for public school funding, setting up what could become one of the most consequential tax debates in state history.
The House State Affairs Committee voted 20-7 along party lines to approve HJR 1F, a constitutional amendment that would ask voters to significantly increase Florida’s homestead exemption.
The measure is a top priority for DeSantis, who has argued that rising property taxes are placing increasing pressure on Florida homeowners.
Under the proposal, Florida’s homestead exemption would rise from $50,000 to $250,000 if approved by voters.
House Adds School Funding Protection
In a notable change from the Governor’s original proposal, Republican Rep. Sam Garrison successfully amended the measure to exempt school taxes from the expanded homestead exemption.
“Schools are exempt — period, full stop, end of story,” Garrison told lawmakers.
Supporters argued the change was necessary because public schools do not have the same ability as local governments to offset lost revenue through fees or other funding mechanisms.
According to the Florida Policy Institute, schools could have lost approximately $5 billion annually without the amendment.
Property Tax Relief Remains Central Goal
Supporters of the proposal say Florida homeowners deserve meaningful tax relief as property values continue to rise across the state.
The amendment would ultimately require approval from at least 60% of Florida voters during the November election if it clears the Legislature.
Before reaching the ballot, however, the proposal must receive support from 60% of lawmakers in both chambers.
Critics Warn of Local Government Impact
Opposition to the proposal was widespread during public testimony.
Local government officials, labor leaders, library advocates, and policy organizations warned that reducing property tax revenue could force cuts to essential services or shift costs elsewhere.
Florida League of Cities President Holly Smith argued the proposal represents a tax shift rather than a true tax reduction.
“When homesteaded properties come off the tax roll, the cost of services doesn’t disappear,” Smith told lawmakers.
“It shifts to businesses and non-homesteaded properties.”
Critics also expressed frustration with the speed of the Special Session and the lack of a comprehensive statewide study examining the long-term effects of the proposal.
Libraries, Public Services Raise Concerns
Representatives from Florida’s library community warned that reduced local revenue could result in staffing reductions, shorter operating hours, and cuts to public programs.
Other opponents raised concerns about impacts on public safety, infrastructure, and local government services.
Democratic lawmakers attempted to add protections for libraries, water management districts, public safety agencies, and other local programs. Those amendments failed.
Republicans Defend the Measure
Republican supporters argued that local governments retain flexibility to prioritize spending and continue funding essential services.
Rep. Toby Overdorf, who sponsored the measure, said counties and municipalities would still control how available tax revenue is allocated.
Supporters also dismissed what they described as worst-case-scenario predictions from opponents.
A Defining Issue for Florida Voters
Property tax reform has rapidly become one of the most significant political issues in Florida.
Gov. DeSantis, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, and other Republican leaders have increasingly argued that local governments must reduce spending and provide relief to taxpayers.
The proposal’s advancement signals that voters may soon have an opportunity to decide whether Florida should dramatically reshape how local governments collect revenue.
Why It Matters
If approved, the constitutional amendment would represent one of the largest property tax changes in modern Florida history. Supporters say it would provide meaningful relief to homeowners, while critics warn it could fundamentally alter how local governments fund services. The issue is expected to remain a central topic in Florida politics through Election Day.
