The Florida legislature approved Gov. Ron DeSantis’ property tax proposal, sending the issue to voters as a constitutional amendment to be decided upon in November’s election.
According to combined media reports, the measure will raise the existing $50,000 exemption for homestead properties to $150,000 starting in 2027, and then to $250,000 in 2028. Lawmakers tweaked the governor’s plan so the exemption will not apply to school taxes.
The Senate approve the bill to create a ballot referendum on the issue along party lines in a 30-9 vote, with three Democrats joining the Republican majority. The House voted 75-26, with two Republicans in opposition.
“I feel the passion on both sides of this issue, and it is one of the most important issues we have faced,” said Sen. Bryan Avila, (R-Hialeah), chairman of the Senate Finance and Tax Committee who sponsored the Senate version.
The constitutional amendment (HJR 1F) will need 60% support from voters to take effect. If approved, it could local government revenue across the state by more than $8.4 billion a year.
Democrats opposing the bill argued it would place a new financial burden on cash-strapped localities and counties.
“When the bill comes due, it won’t be paid by Tallahassee,” said Sen. Lavon Bracy Davis (D-Ocoee). “It will be paid by your city, your county, your neighborhood school, your library, your community. This proposal does not eliminate costs, it simply moves them. It is not tax relief, it is a tax shift.”
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