Property Tax

Florida’s state and local tax structure makes Florida an excellent place to be an affluent retiree or a wealthy investor, but not so great for working families or young couples starting out.

Local government officials statewide are wary of plans by Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state Legislature to slash or abolish homestead property taxes, but one group of counties is particularly worried. They are Florida’s “fiscally constrained” counties: 29 mostly rural counties with small populations, few industries and lots of agricultural or conservation land — and therefore small tax bases.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says homestead property taxes are a severe burden on Florida homeowners and wants to abolish them, regardless of the potentially devastating effects on local government budgets.The Florida Legislature has been working to accommodate him.

There is talk in Tallahassee of giving new help to homestead property owners, more than 30 years after Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment to restrict increases in real estate tax assessments on owner-occupied residences.

The House Select Committee on Property Taxes is tentatively scheduled to meet Nov. 20 as lawmakers consider proposals to cut homeowners’ taxes.

Ahead of Florida’s 2026 lawmaking session, which begins in January, members of the Lee County Legislative Delegation met, Tuesday, at Florida Southwestern State College. Over the course of the nearly three-hour long meeting, lawmakers heard from 58 local officials and members of the public on a broad range of issues including local appropriation requests, property tax reform, vaccines, water quality and home rule.

Local-government officials Tuesday offered some pushback against state efforts to cut property taxes and question city and county spending.With a Florida House panel finishing a two-day review of property-tax issues, city and county officials defended their financial management amid Gov. Ron DeSantis’ push to ask voters next year to slash taxes on homesteaded properties.

A state House panel Monday began a two-day review of property taxes as it looks at potential changes that could have a major impact on local governments.Gov. Ron DeSantis is pushing lawmakers to put a proposed constitutional amendment on the 2026 ballot to reduce or eliminate taxes on homesteaded properties. As it gears up for the 2026 legislative session, the House Select Committee on Property Taxes on Monday received presentations about issues such as school funding and rural “fiscally constrained” counties that have limited tax bases.

If you own a home or property in Lee County, here’s some news that could be beneficial. You will NOT see an increase in your tax rate this year. Lee County Commissioners approved a $3 billion budget with no increase in the millage rate for property owners. County workers should see a little more money in their paycheck as well. The budget includes a five percent pay hike for Lee County employees.