Another property tax relief proposal has been put forth in the Florida legislature, this time with the goal to eliminate nearly all property taxied levied across the state.
Newsweek reports State Rep. Kevin Steele, a Republican, has offered HJR 201, which would exempt homestead property from all ad valorem taxation – taxes imposed on a home’s assessed value – other than school district levies. Steele’s bill also prevents localities from cutting funding for law enforcement.
The bill is now before the Select Committee on Property Taxes and is intended to be put before voters in either the 2026 election or an earlier special election “specifically authorized by law for that purpose.” However, it would require a three-fifths majority in both legislative chambers to be added to a ballot and a 60% voter approval to become law.
Florida lawmakers have already presented multiple property tax relief measures for voter consideration, but this is the first that echoes Gov. Ron DeSantis’ call to eliminate property taxes.
“Since taking office, I’ve worked to end property taxes (the only tax you continue to pay unrealized gains),” said Steele in a statement. “My bill lets Florida voters decide in 2026 whether to eliminate property taxes while protecting funding for schools and public safety. It’s time to stop runaway local spending and put power back in the hands of the people.”
