Florida House Advances Property Tax Cut Proposals for 2026 Ballot

The Florida House of Representatives advanced several proposals designed to cut non-school property taxes through their first committees on Thursday, November 20, 2025, according to Spectrum News 13. The move could change how local governments fund services and manage local finances.

The proposals include a measure to eliminate the taxes immediately and another to phase them out over 10 years. A third proposal would eliminate non-school property taxes exclusively for homeowners 65 and older.

If passed, any constitutional amendment would go to voters in 2026 and require at least 60% approval.

Why This Matters for Florida Real Estate Owners

Property taxes represent a major recurring expense for commercial and residential real estate investors in Florida. Non-school property taxes fund local government services that directly impact property operations and values.

The Florida Policy Institute estimates $43 billion would be needed to maintain current services if the House proposals are enacted. This funding gap raises questions about how local governments would maintain services or whether property owners might face other costs.

For developers and investors planning projects, understanding potential changes to local government funding helps with financial modeling and risk assessment. Our real estate advisory team works with clients to model tax scenarios and adjust acquisition strategies in response to policy changes.

What Lawmakers Are Saying

Coral Gables Republican Rep. Demi Busatta Cabrera said the effort is about returning money to hard-working Floridians, Spectrum News 13 reports.

Miami Republican Rep. Juan Porras described the senior-focused proposal as a targeted approach to help the most vulnerable communities and those who have built the cities and counties.

House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell, a Tampa lawmaker, raised concerns about the effort. Driskell said local governments should not be put in a situation where tools are taken away only to have them shift the burden in some other way, which would have the most adverse impacts on people who need help the most.

The proposals include a police mandate requiring local governments to leave law enforcement budgets untouched. Coconut Creek Democratic Rep. Christine Hunschofsky said she did not support defunding the police in 2020 and will not support it today.

Financial Implications for Property Owners

Democratic lawmakers expressed concern that property taxes are the primary source of revenue for local governments. If these proposals pass, the $43 billion funding gap identified by the Florida Policy Institute suggests local governments may need to find alternative revenue sources or reduce services.

For real estate investors, reduced property taxes could lower operating expenses and improve cash flow. However, if local governments respond with increased fees, special assessments or reduced services, the net benefit may be less clear. Our tax planning team helps clients evaluate how policy changes affect investment returns.

Property owners should consider how potential service reductions or new fees might affect property operations, tenant satisfaction and long-term values.

What Comes Next

The Senate has not filed any companion legislation, leaving the House to move forward on its own. Governor Ron DeSantis has criticized the idea of putting multiple tax proposals on the 2026 ballot, calling it a poor approach.

Stuart Republican Rep. Toby Overdorf argued that voters who elected lawmakers should be allowed to make decisions for themselves, their communities and the state.

The proposals must advance through the full legislature before reaching the 2026 ballot. Constitutional amendments require at least 60% voter approval to pass.

How Property Owners Can Prepare

Property owners should monitor legislative activity through the 2025 session to understand which proposals, if any, reach voters in November 2026. Building flexible financial models now may help investors adapt to whatever changes emerge.

Real estate professionals who stay informed about local government responses to potential revenue changes may be better positioned to manage properties across Florida’s diverse markets.

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