The Florida House passed a major homestead property tax exemption. It could appear on your November ballot. Here’s everything you need to know.
Florida homeowners may soon pay zero non-school property taxes. The Florida House voted 80–30 to pass HJR 203, a proposed constitutional amendment. It would eliminate non-school property taxes on all homestead properties starting January 1, 2027.
State Rep. Monique Miller (R-Palm Bay) filed the bill in October. She says the proposal protects public safety alongside tax relief. Local governments would be barred from cutting law enforcement budgets under the same amendment.
What Does HJR 203 Actually Do?
HJR 203 gives homeowners a full exemption from all non-school property taxes. Own your home as a primary residence? You could owe nothing in county and municipal property taxes by 2027. School district levies remain separate and are not affected.
The law enforcement budget protection is built into the same bill. Supporters say this keeps public safety funded even as local government revenue shifts.
The Road to November
Passing the House is just step one. Several more hurdles remain before this becomes law.
The Senate must act first. No Senate version of the bill exists yet. The regular session ends in less than a month. That’s a very tight window.
The Governor is pushing hard. Gov. Ron DeSantis supports property tax cuts loudly and publicly. He announced he is working directly with state senators to advance a proposal — part of an ongoing clash between the Governor and lawmakers over Florida’s budget that has defined this legislative session.
Regarding a property tax proposal for the 2026 ballot: we’ve been working with members of the Senate who have been great partners.
Given that it can’t be voted on by the people before November, it’s better to do it right than do it quick!
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) February 19, 2026
Voters decide in November. If the Senate passes HJR 203, it goes to Florida voters on the November 2026 general election ballot. It needs at least 60% approval to become part of the state constitution.
The effective date is January 1, 2027 — one year from now, if everything falls into place.
A Long List of Other Proposals
HJR 203 is not alone. The House has filed nearly a dozen other property tax proposals for the 2026 ballot. None have advanced as far, but all remain in play.
Full Elimination and Broad Exemptions
HJR 201 mirrors HJR 203 closely. It would also eliminate non-school property taxes on homestead properties statewide.
HJR 207 takes a smaller step. It applies a 25% exemption to the remaining assessed value after existing exemptions already reduce the taxable amount.
Targeted Relief for Specific Groups
HJR 205 focuses on older Floridians. Residents age 65 and over would pay no non-school taxes on their primary homes.
HJR 209 rewards insured homeowners. It expands the existing exemption band from $50,000–$75,000 all the way to $25,000–$200,000. The catch? Your home must carry a comprehensive homeowners insurance policy. This proposal also protects funding for firefighters and first responders, not just law enforcement.
Assessment Caps and Portability
HJR 211 strengthens portability. Homeowners could transfer their full Save Our Homes cap benefit to a new primary residence — not just a portion of it.
HJR 213 freezes assessments more aggressively. Property assessments could only increase once every three years, capped at 3% or inflation — whichever is lower. Non-homestead properties face a 15% cap on the same three-year cycle.
HJR 1411 stops upward adjustments when values fall. If your property’s market value drops, the assessed value cannot increase. Both homestead and non-homestead properties qualify.
The Most Radical Proposal
HJR 787 would ban counties and school districts from levying property taxes entirely. To replace that lost revenue, paired bill HB 791 would introduce a 5% fee on all real estate transactions statewide.
Inheritance and Non-Homestead Reforms
HJR 793 protects inherited homes. Passing a homestead to a family member through inheritance would not trigger a reassessment, as long as the heir makes it their primary residence within one year.
HJR 903 cuts the annual assessment cap for rental and commercial properties from 10% down to 3% per year.
Why This Matters for Florida’s Jewish Community
Several proposals carry special relevance here. The senior exemption in HJR 205 directly benefits older homeowners — a large segment of Florida’s Jewish population. The inheritance protection in HJR 793 helps families keep homes across generations without a sudden tax increase.
Small business owners should also watch HJR 903 closely. Lower assessment caps on non-homestead properties bring more predictable costs year over year.
Additionally, make sure you are registered to vote before November 2026. These amendments need 60% support to pass — and every vote counts.
Track the Senate session at flsenate.gov and contact your state senator to share your position on these proposals.
