Florida property taxes are a constant topic of conversation, especially for homeowners and those considering a move to the Sunshine State. With rising costs of living and a dynamic real estate market, many are asking: are Florida property taxes really going away? The short answer is complex, but recent proposals from Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature suggest significant changes could be on the horizon. This article will delve into the current landscape of property taxes in Florida, explore the latest proposals, and discuss what these potential shifts could mean for full-time residents and prospective buyers in Central Florida.

The Current Landscape of Florida Property Taxes

Understanding Florida's property tax system is crucial before evaluating any proposed changes. Property taxes are a primary funding source for local services such as schools, police, fire departments, and infrastructure. They are calculated based on your property's assessed value and the local millage rate.

How Florida Property Taxes Work

In Florida, your property's assessed value is determined by your county property appraiser. This value, minus any exemptions you qualify for (like the homestead exemption), becomes your taxable value. The millage rate, expressed as dollars per $1,000 of assessed value, is then applied to calculate your annual property tax bill. For example, a millage rate of 10 mills means you pay $10 for every $1,000 of taxable value.

Why Property Taxes are a Hot Topic in Florida

Florida's booming real estate market has led to significant increases in property values. While this can be beneficial for homeowners, it often translates to higher property tax bills, even with protections like the Save Our Homes (SOH) amendment. The SOH amendment caps annual increases in assessed value for homesteaded properties at 3% or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower. However, new homeowners or those whose properties have significantly appreciated can still face substantial tax burdens. Coupled with rising property insurance costs, the overall expense of homeownership in Florida has become a major concern for many residents.

Governor DeSantis's Vision: Rebates and Elimination Talk

Governor Ron DeSantis has been a vocal proponent of property tax relief, framing property taxes as an undue burden on homeowners. His administration has introduced measures aimed at providing immediate relief while also pursuing long-term structural changes.

The $1,000 Property Tax Rebate Proposal

In March 2025, Governor DeSantis announced a proposal to provide immediate financial relief to Florida homeowners. This plan involved a $1,000 average property tax rebate for each homesteaded property in the state [1]. These rebates were intended to be issued in December 2025 and would specifically cover state-mandated school property taxes. A key aspect of this proposal was that it aimed to ease the burden on families without impacting the funding for school districts.

The Long-Term Goal: A Constitutional Amendment to Eliminate Property Taxes

Beyond immediate rebates, Governor DeSantis has articulated a more ambitious long-term goal: the elimination of property taxes through a future constitutional amendment. He famously stated, "Property taxes effectively require homeowners to pay rent to the government" [1]. This sentiment underscores his belief that property ownership should not entail perpetual payments to the state. The Governor has indicated that such an amendment would require voter approval, potentially in 2026, signaling a significant shift in Florida's fiscal policy if successful.

Legislative Efforts: Beyond the Governor's Desk

The Florida Legislature has also been actively exploring various avenues for property tax reform, with several bills introduced during the 2026 session. These proposals range from partial exemptions to more comprehensive elimination strategies, each with different implications for homeowners and local governments.

House Bill 201 and Other Elimination Proposals

Several House Joint Resolutions (HJRs) have been put forth, reflecting a broader legislative push for property tax changes. Here's a brief overview of some key proposals [2]:

• HJR 201: This proposal aims to exempt all 5.1 million homesteaded properties from all non-school property taxes. While offering substantial relief to homeowners, the Revenue Estimating Conference (REC) estimates this could cost local governments a significant $18.3 billion annually [2]. This raises questions about how essential local services would be funded.
• HJR 203: This bill suggests a phased-out elimination of non-school property taxes over a decade, with full exemption for homesteads by 2037. This gradual approach is estimated to cost local governments $13.3 billion annually [2].
• HJR 205: Targeting a specific demographic, HJR 205 proposes eliminating non-school property taxes for Floridians aged 65 or older who have a homestead exemption. The estimated annual cost to localities is $6.7 billion [2].
• HJR 209: This resolution would create an alternative $200,000 second homestead exemption for homeowners with comprehensive homeowners' insurance. Approximately 83% of homeowners could qualify, with an estimated annual cost to local governments of $8.6 billion [2].
• HJR 213: Instead of eliminating taxes, HJR 213 focuses on modifying assessment limitations by requiring property assessments once every three years instead of annually. This change is estimated to cost localities $5.3 billion on a recurring basis [2].

The Debate: Pros and Cons of Property Tax Elimination

The discussion around eliminating property taxes is multifaceted. Proponents argue it would significantly reduce the financial burden on homeowners, promote homeownership, and attract new residents and businesses to Florida. It could also simplify the tax system and provide greater financial predictability for families.

However, critics raise concerns about the potential impact on local services. Property taxes are the lifeblood of county and municipal budgets, funding everything from schools and libraries to roads and emergency services. Eliminating or drastically reducing this revenue stream would necessitate finding alternative funding mechanisms, such as increased sales taxes or other fees, which could shift the burden elsewhere or lead to cuts in essential services. The debate often centers on balancing homeowner relief with the need for robust local government funding.

What This Means for Central Florida Homeowners and Buyers

For residents and those considering relocating to Central Florida, these discussions around Florida property tax relief are particularly relevant. The region, encompassing counties like Orange, Seminole, and Osceola, has experienced rapid growth and fluctuating property values.

Local Impact: Orange, Seminole, and Osceola Counties

Each Central Florida county has its own property tax dynamics:

• Orange County: Homeowners in Orange County face a median annual property tax bill of approximately $3,227. While the general county levy is around 63.83 cents per $100 of assessed value, total rates can vary significantly by municipality [3].
• Seminole County: In September 2025, Seminole County approved its first property tax hike in 16 years for the FY 2025-2026 budget. This included a 0.5 millage increase, translating to about an extra $12 per month for average homeowners [4].
• Osceola County: In contrast, Osceola County has maintained a stable general millage rate of 6.7 mills for the 15th consecutive year in its FY 2026 budget [5]. This stability can offer some predictability for homeowners in the area.

These local variations highlight that while statewide changes are debated, local decisions and economic conditions continue to play a significant role in your property tax obligations. Understanding your specific county's approach to property taxes is essential.

Navigating the Market: Advice for Residents and Relocators

For current residents, staying informed about legislative developments and understanding how the homestead exemption Florida and Save Our Homes benefit protect your property's assessed value is key. For those thinking about relocating to Central Florida, it's crucial to research the specific property tax rates and potential exemptions in your target county and municipality. While the prospect of property tax reform Florida is appealing, it's important to factor in current tax realities and the potential for future changes when making significant financial decisions.

Conclusion

The question of whether Florida property taxes are going away is not a simple yes or no. While Governor DeSantis and the Legislature are actively pursuing various forms of Florida property tax relief, including ambitious proposals for elimination, the path forward involves significant debate and potential constitutional amendments. For full-time Florida residents and those considering a move to Central Florida, staying informed about these developments is paramount. While complete elimination may be a long-term goal with considerable hurdles, the ongoing discussions and proposed rebates signal a clear intent to address the financial burden on homeowners.

We encourage you to stay engaged with local and state legislative updates, consult with local tax professionals, and understand how these potential changes could impact your financial planning. Your voice and informed decisions are vital in shaping the future of property ownership in Florida.

References

[1] Governor Ron DeSantis Proposes $1,000 Property Tax Rebates for Florida Homeowners. Executive Office of the Governor. https://www.flgov.com/eog/news/press/2025/governor-ron-desantis-proposes-1000-property-tax-rebates-florida-homeowners [2] Bill Summary: HJR 201, 203, 205, 207, 209, 211, and 213. Florida Policy Institute. https://www.floridapolicy.org/posts/bill-summary-hjr-201-203-205-207-209-211-and-213 [3] Orange County Property Tax Guide FL | 2025. Honest Casa. https://honestcasa.com/taxes/florida/orange-property-tax-guide [4] Seminole County votes to increase millage rate. MyNews13. https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2025/09/24/seminole-county-votes-to-increase-millage-rate-for-2025-2026-fiscal-year [5] Osceola County Proposes to Maintain the County’s General Millage Rate in Proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Budget for 15th Consecutive Year. Osceola.org. https://www.osceola.org/News/Osceola-County-Proposes-to-Maintain-the-County%E2%80%99s-General-Millage-Rate-in-Proposed-Fiscal-Year-2026-Budget-for-15th-Consecutive-Year