Florida Banking December 2025/January 2026

The Property Tax Debate A Major Focus of the 2026 Session GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

• HJR 203 by Rep. Miller phases out non-school homestead property taxes over a 10-year period. Each year, homeowners would receive an additional $100,000 exemption. After 10 years, all non-school homestead property taxes would be eliminated. • HJR 205 by Rep. Porras exempts Florida residents over the age of 65 from paying non-school homestead property taxes. • HJR 207 by Rep. Abbott creates a new homestead exemption for non school property taxes equal to 25% of the assessed value of the house. In addition to providing relief to current homeowners, it would benefit first time homebuyers. • HJR 209 by Rep. Busatta creates a new property insurance relief homestead tax exemption. Homestead property owners who have property insurance will be entitled to an additional $100,000 exemption on non-school property taxes. • HJR 211 by Rep. Overdorf eliminates the cap on portability, allowing homeowners to transfer their entire accumulated Save Our Homes benefit to a new home, even if that home has a lesser value. • HJR 213 by Rep. Griffitts limits the growth in assessed value of non school homestead property taxes to 3% over three years for homestead property (currently it is 3% per year) and 15% over three years for non homestead property (currently it is 10% per year). Additionally, HB 215 by Rep. Albert makes various statutory changes including requiring a two-thirds vote for

As we march toward the Jan. 13 start of the 2026 Regular Session, much debate is centered around property taxes. Many believe property taxes should be eliminated, under the theory you should not be renting your home from the government. Others believe property taxes can be reduced, and the loss of revenue offset by reducing waste and abuse in local governments. Property taxes are an annual ad valorem tax paid by owners of real property (and certain tangible personal property) to local governments. It is not transaction based or income based, but it is a tax based on the value of the taxed property. Local governments and school boards levy the tax. It is applied to the value of homestead and non-homestead property. The Florida House Select Committee on Property Taxes has shown how the amount of property taxes has steadily increased over the years. Also, over the last few elections, Floridians have voted for portability and increased exemptions for all homesteaded property or for certain groups, such as seniors or military families. While the Florida Legislature and Gov. DeSantis have been in public and private conversations about the issue, the House, through the members of its Select Committee on Property Taxes, has filed the first bills. The bills, except HB 215, are joint resolutions that must be passed by a supermajority of the Legislature and then go directly to the ballot, bypassing the Governor. Briefly, the joint resolutions are: • HJR 201 by Rep. Steele eliminates non-school homestead property taxes.

ANTHONY DIMARCO FBA EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS “ elimination during the 2026 Regular

Will the two chambers agree on property tax reform or

Session, or will they return for a special session?”

Upcoming Event 52nd Annual Capitol Day + Capitol Night

Tallahassee, FL Learn more: floridabankers.com Jan. 28, 2026

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