Miami, EFE — Florida voters will decide in November whether to approve a sweeping reduction in property taxes on primary residences, after both chambers of the state legislature passed the measure Tuesday — a key priority of Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The proposal, which requires the governor’s signature to be formally placed on the ballot, would raise the homestead exemption from the current $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. After that, the exemption would increase annually in line with inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index.
Because the measure would amend the state constitution, it needs the support of at least 60% of voters to take effect.
The Florida House and Senate — both with Republican majorities — approved the proposal Tuesday. Lawmakers modified DeSantis’s original version to protect public school funding, meaning property taxes would not be eliminated entirely.
Republicans have championed the initiative as a way to return money to taxpayers and rein in local government spending. Critics, however, warn it could reduce revenues available for essential public services and force counties and municipalities to make significant budget adjustments.
If approved by voters, the reform would represent one of the largest shifts in Florida’s tax policy in decades.
