The Florida House of Representatives has approved a measure to eliminate non-school property taxes on primary residences, moving the proposal one step closer to potentially becoming law. The bill, known as House Joint Resolution 203 and introduced by Republican Rep. Monique Miller of Palm Bay, passed with an 80-30 vote along party lines, with Republicans supporting and Democrats opposing.
This decision follows months of debate since Governor Ron DeSantis first suggested the idea last year. The original plan proposed a gradual phaseout of property taxes by increasing homestead exemptions by $100,000 each year over ten years until 2037. However, lawmakers amended the resolution to remove these taxes entirely for homesteads.
If enacted, Florida would be the first state in the country to abolish property taxes on homesteads. Before reaching voters in November—where it would require approval from at least 60 percent—it must still pass in the state Senate.
Governor DeSantis commented on social media before the House vote: “Regarding a property tax proposal for the 2026 ballot: we’ve been working with members of the Senate who have been great partners,” he wrote on X. “Given that it can’t be voted on by the people before November, it’s better to do it right than do it quick!”
DeSantis has argued that eliminating property taxes could help address Florida’s affordability challenges and encourage homeownership. He previously stated that such taxes “effectively require homeowners to pay rent to the government.”
The measure also includes a requirement that counties and municipalities cannot reduce funding for law enforcement, firefighters, or other first responders.
However, concerns remain about its financial impact. According to projections from Florida’s Revenue Estimating Conference, local governments could lose $13.3 billion annually if HJR 203 is implemented.
During Thursday’s debate, Democratic Rep. Rita Harris of Orlando criticized the proposal: “We are defunding the police,” Harris said according to WLRN. “We are defunding the fire. We are defunding the garbage. We are defunding the schools. We are defunding the waste management. We are defunding people cutting your trees during storm season. We are defunding the state of Florida.”
Lawmakers have put forward seven constitutional amendments this year seeking different types of property tax reductions for homesteads; only two others besides HJR 203 have advanced through House committees so far.
The Senate is expected to review and possibly vote on this measure during a special session after March 13.
