House Backs Referendum on Cutting Property Taxes

Proposal would ask voters to eliminate most homestead property taxes, but Senate has yet to advance similar measure.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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The Republican-controlled Florida House voted 80-30 along party lines on a proposal (HJR 203) to put a measure on the 2026 general election ballot that would eliminate all nonschool taxes for properties with a homestead exemption. If 60% of voters approve the measure, it would take effect in the 2027 tax year. However, the Senate has not advanced any similar property tax cut plan during the regular session, which is slated to end March 13.

Why it matters

This proposal is part of an ongoing debate in Florida over property tax cuts, with the Republican-led House pushing for significant reductions while the Senate has been more cautious, citing concerns about the impact on local government revenues and services. The outcome could have major implications for homeowners, local budgets, and the state's overall tax structure.

The details

The House proposal would ask voters to eliminate most homestead property taxes, which are projected to cost cities, counties, water management districts and other special taxing districts $14.8 billion a year. House Democrats warned the cuts could lead to increases in fees and sales taxes, and they offered amendments to study the effects and have the state cover public safety costs, but Republicans rejected those moves. The proposal seeks to prevent local funding cuts for law enforcement, firefighters and other first responders, but Democrats expressed concern it would deprive growing communities of revenue needed to expand services.

  • The House voted on the proposal on February 20, 2026.
  • If approved by voters, the measure would take effect in the 2027 tax year.

The players

Daniel Perez

Republican House Speaker from Miami.

Ed Hooper

Republican Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman from Trinity.

Monique Miller

Republican state representative from Palm Bay who introduced the property tax cut proposal.

Robin Bartleman

Democratic state representative from Weston.

Anna Eskamani

Democratic state representative from Orlando.

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What they’re saying

“We must be very careful about what we do. Sixty-seven totally different counties are impacted in a totally different way. We're considering that.”

— Ed Hooper, Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman (jaxtoday.org)

“This bill does not guarantee that funds will keep pace with future needs. What you're doing is creating a floor and ceiling so that law enforcement, fire and corrections will never see a raise, never get new equipment, because there is no money to go around.”

— Robin Bartleman, Democratic state representative (jaxtoday.org)

“I'm a firm believer in a balanced tax structure that is less regressive, that delivers need-based relief. The reality is that those who make the most money will get the biggest tax break. Those who make less will see less.”

— Anna Eskamani, Democratic state representative (jaxtoday.org)

What’s next

The Senate has not yet advanced a similar property tax cut proposal, and it remains to be seen whether the House and Senate can reach an agreement before the regular session ends on March 13. If the measure makes it to the ballot, Florida voters would decide in November 2026 whether to approve the elimination of most homestead property taxes.

The takeaway

This debate over property tax cuts highlights the ongoing tension between the Republican-led House, which is pushing for significant reductions, and the more cautious Senate, which is concerned about the impact on local government budgets and services. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for homeowners, local communities, and the state's overall tax structure.