Spring 2026 FCIAAO Newsletter

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE Proposed Property Tax Bills

Bill: HJR 201 – Elimination of Non ‑ school Property Tax for Homesteads Key Concept - Would exempt homestead property from all ad valorem taxes except school district levies. Local government taxes (county, municipal, special districts) would no longer apply to homesteads. Impact - Major reduction in property tax bills for homestead owners. Significant revenue loss for counties and cities. Would require constitutional amendment approval. Status - It has NOT moved to a House floor vote and is essentially stalled. In other words, the bill cleared early committees but has not advanced further in the House calendar. Bill: HJR 203 – Phased Out Elimination of Non ‑ School Property Tax for Homesteads Key Concept -Gradually increases the homestead exemption for non-school taxes by $100,000 annually for 10 years. Could begin 2027 if approved by voters. Impact - Property tax bills for homeowners could be cut roughly in half or more. Local governments could lose billions in revenue annually. Status - It passed the Florida House on 2/19/2026 (80-30 vote) Sent to Senate appropriation committee but no Senate vote yet. Bill: HJR 205 – Elimination of Non ‑ School Property Tax for Homesteads for Persons 65+ Key Concept - Homestead owners age 65 or older would be exempt from all property taxes except school taxes. Impact - Targets relief for retirees on fixed incomes and Could substantially reduce tax revenue in retiree-heavy counties. Status - This bill is active but hasn’t yet been voted by either chamber as it remains one of several property – tax reform joint resolutions and under consideration in Tallahassee this session. Bill: HJR 207 – Assessed Home Value Homestead Exemption Key Concept - Adds a 25% exemption on the remaining assessed value after current exemptions (non-school taxes). Impact - Would reduce taxable value without eliminating taxes entirely. Creates a percentage based exemption instead of flat dollar exemptions. Status - Like many of the 2026 property tax constitutional amendments it is active but has not passed either chamber. homesteads entirely. This brings forth key concerns for loss of local government revenue, funding for public safety and infrastructure and shifting tax burden to sales taxes or non-homestead properties. The 2026 Florida Legislative Session includes several proposals that could significantly change the property tax system, particularly for homestead properties and assessment limitations. Many of the bills propose constitutional amendments, meaning they would require 60% voter approval if passed by the Legislature. The Legislature is debating major structural changes to property taxes, including proposals that could eventually eliminate many local property taxes for

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STAYING APPRAISED

SPRING 2026