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(Tallahassee, FL) - Lawmakers in special session planning to vote on a proposed constitutional ballot amendment that would eventually eliminate property taxes for homestead properties. Rep. Robin Bartleman (D) is concerned local governments will simply increase fees to cover the short fall.
"You cannot get blood from a stone; you cannot tax the residents of Florida to death with a regressive tax. These are going to be tough choices for local governments." said Bartleman in descent.
The Republican majority says the measure is not a tax shift but an incentive to prioritize spending. Cutting property taxes is expected to save taxpayers up to 8-billion dollars by increasing the homestead exemption, limiting use of ad valorem taxes levied by counties and municipalities.
Bill co-sponsor Senator Bryan Avila says, "This is a team effort prioritizing relief for residents and saying to local governments to prioritize their balance sheet. There is a difference between need and want." The Florida legislature is constitutionally bound to pass a balanced budget.
Lawmakers must pass the measure by a 60% margin for it to appear on the November 2026 ballot and be approved by voters.