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Florida Voters Back Property Tax Reform, But Hurdles Remain
Majority support phasing out homestead property taxes, but constitutional amendment faces challenges
Published on Mar. 6, 2026
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A majority of Florida voters support a proposal to phase out property taxes in the state, according to a new poll from the University of North Florida. However, the level of support falls just short of the supermajority needed to amend the state's constitution, presenting a significant obstacle to Republican lawmakers' plans.
Why it matters
Property taxes have surged in Florida since the pandemic housing boom, exacerbating the state's ongoing affordability crisis. Governor Ron DeSantis and state lawmakers have proposed various measures to provide relief to homeowners, but the path forward remains uncertain.
The details
The proposed constitutional amendment, HJR 203, would eliminate all non-school property taxes for homesteaded properties. It would also protect funding for public safety services. While 56% of likely Florida voters support the measure, it needs 60% approval to pass. There are also partisan divides, with 76% of Republicans backing the plan compared to just 27% of Democrats.
- The University of North Florida poll was conducted between February 21 and March 2, 2026 among 786 likely Florida midterm voters.
- The Florida legislative session ends on March 13, 2026.
The players
Ron DeSantis
The Republican Governor of Florida who has declared support for eliminating homesteaded property taxes.
Daniel Perez
The Republican Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.
Anna Eskamani
A Democratic state representative from Orlando who has expressed concerns about the proposed amendment's impact on local government funding.
What they’re saying
“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, State Representative (Pensacola News Journal)
“What I've also said, and I said from the beginning, I didn't see this necessarily happening in this regular session. And I think the Senate agrees with that. We're going to be coming back. There's going to be opportunities to be doing it. I think you have to do it right.”
— Ron DeSantis (St. Augustine)
What’s next
It is unclear whether the proposed constitutional amendment will make it to the ballot this November, as the Senate is likely to push its own property tax relief measure rather than back the House's HJR 203 bill. Governor DeSantis has said he does not expect the proposal to pass before the end of the regular legislative session on March 13.
The takeaway
While a majority of Florida voters support phasing out homestead property taxes, the proposed constitutional amendment faces significant hurdles to reaching the 60% threshold needed to pass. The debate over property tax relief in the state highlights the ongoing tensions between providing assistance to homeowners and maintaining funding for local government services.
