Governor Ron DeSantis’ Property-Tax Proposal: What It Means for Black Floridian Homeowners & Renters in 2026

As Florida lawmakers look ahead to the 2026 election cycle, a sweeping set of proposals aimed at reducing or eliminating property taxes is moving through the Legislature — though none have become law yet.

Several proposed constitutional amendments advanced during the 2025 legislative session would significantly reshape how property taxes are collected across the state. If approved by lawmakers, the measures would appear on the 2026 statewide ballot, where voters would have the final say.

Under Florida law, constitutional amendments must be approved by three-fifths of both the House and Senate before appearing on the ballot and then receive at least 60 percent voter approval to take effect, according to reporting by WUFT News.

The Florida House has approved or advanced a slate of joint resolutions proposing varying degrees of property tax relief for homeowners, as outlined by the Pensacola News Journal.

Among the measures under consideration:

• House Joint Resolution 201 would eliminate non-school property taxes on homesteaded properties, exempting homeowners from most local and municipal taxes while preserving school district funding, according to the Florida Senate.
  
• HJR 203 proposes a gradual phase-out of non-school property taxes over a ten-year period, eventually leading to full exemption, as reported by WKMG News 6.
  
• HJR 205 would exempt homeowners 65 and older from non-school property taxes, while HJR 207 would create a 25 percent homestead exemption applied after existing exemptions, according to WKMG.
  
• HJR 209 offers an additional $100,000 non-school property tax exemption for homeowners who maintain full property insurance coverage.
  
• HJR 211 expands the Save Our Homes portability provision, allowing homeowners to transfer more of their tax savings when moving.
  
• HJR 213 seeks to limit how frequently assessed property values can increase, slowing overall tax growth.
  

Most of the resolutions were first detailed or tracked by WKMG, which has closely followed their movement through House committees.

The push for property tax reform has revealed growing divisions between Gov. Ron DeSantis and House leadership over strategy and scope.

DeSantis has publicly criticized the House’s multi-proposal approach, arguing that advancing numerous amendments could confuse voters. According to Florida Phoenix, the governor has urged lawmakers to focus on a single ballot measure, calling the broader slate “a political game.”

House Speaker Daniel Perez has taken a different stance, advocating for “giving voters multiple options” and supporting the creation of a special select committee on property tax reform, according to WFSU News.

Local officials and policy analysts have raised concerns about the potential impact of sweeping property tax cuts on public services. Property taxes serve as a major funding source for local governments, supporting schools, public safety, and infrastructure.

According to WLRN, critics warn that eliminating or significantly reducing property tax revenue could force cities and counties to cut services, raise alternative taxes, or shift costs in ways that could indirectly affect renters and low-income residents.

Supporters of the proposals argue that property tax relief could help ease housing-related costs for homeowners facing rising insurance premiums and inflation. Opponents counter that replacing lost revenue would be difficult and that constitutional amendments limit lawmakers’ flexibility once enacted.

None of the property tax proposals have been finalized, and negotiations are expected to continue as lawmakers in the 2026 legislative session. Whether the Legislature consolidates the measures or advances multiple amendments, the debate is expected to intensify as voters weigh the promise of tax relief against concerns over funding essential public services.

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