Property Tax

Hendry County could lose more than $8 million in funding. That is a big deal.

Lawmakers on Tuesday approved a sweeping tax cut for homestead property owners pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, sending it to the November ballot. The measure increases the existing $50,000 exemption for homestead properties to $150,000 starting in 2027, and it increases to $250,000 in 2028. The exemption, though, doesn’t apply to school taxes, after lawmakers changed DeSantis’ plan Monday to protect districts from drastic cuts.

Collier County lost an estimated $13 billion in market property value in 2025 compared to the previous year. The roughly 5.78 percent loss stands as a sharp contrast to some years in the past decade. Lee and Charlotte Counties also lost market property value between 2024 and '25.

Many Florida homeowners would see their property tax bills eliminated or severely cut under a plan released Wednesday by Gov. Ron DeSantis. DeSantis is calling for the Legislature to convene Monday to consider his proposal, which if they approve it would appear on the November ballot. At least 60 percent of voters would need to support the measure for it to take effect.

Governor Ron DeSantis’ fight to end property taxes in Florida has dominated the conversation. Lawmakers are continuing to discuss how to eliminate the state revenue service.

Florida lawmakers will be back for the legislative session. Many major topics including property taxes, school vouchers and exploring changes to Florida’s congressional maps will be discussed.

Committee of the Islands is hosting a discussion: “The Property Tax Debate: Pros and Cons”; All are welcome Sunday on Sanibel

A House proposal that would ask voters to phase out non-school homestead property taxes moved forward Thursday, as lawmakers and Gov. Ron DeSantis try to reach agreement on a November ballot measure. The Republican-controlled House State Affairs Committee voted along party lines to back a proposed constitutional amendment (HJR 203) that would annually increase the homestead exemption by $100,000 over the next decade, with a full exemption for non-school taxes in 2037.

It was a rollercoaster of a ride for the Florida economy in 2025. Governor Ron DeSantis looked to alleviate homeowners’ pocketbooks by proposing to eliminate property taxes for primary residences.

A proposed constitutional amendment that would increase the homestead property-tax exemption for residents who have property insurance is ready to go to the Florida House after the 2026 legislative session starts in January. The Republican-controlled House Ways & Means Committee voted 10-5 along party lines Wednesday to approve the measure (HJR 209), which was part of eight property-tax proposals that the House released in October.