A newly formed legislative committee is setting the stage for sweeping changes to Florida’s property tax system, potentially giving voters the power to decide on the elimination of property taxes in the 2026 election.

The Select Committee on Property Tax Reform convened for the first time on May 2, aiming to tackle one of the most controversial and consequential fiscal issues in the state. The meeting kicked off an in-depth process to explore five major reform proposals—all of which would require constitutional amendments.

“This process isn’t about taking credit—it’s about presenting the strongest ideas to Floridians and letting them determine their own future,” said House Speaker Daniel Perez (R-Miami), who spearheaded the committee’s creation.

As lawmakers extend their session into May, attention is split between finalizing the state budget and responding to rising concerns about property taxes—a topic that has prompted sharp debate between Governor Ron DeSantis, the House, and Senate leadership.

“Property tax reform must be addressed,” DeSantis said earlier this year, when he proposed eliminating property taxes altogether—a move he claims could save homeowners up to $1,000. Speaker Perez, while welcoming the discussion, noted the governor offered no concrete plan to achieve the ambitious goal.

In response, Perez launched the House select committee to develop comprehensive policy solutions. “I expect this committee to dig deep, challenge assumptions, and get creative,” he said.

At their first meeting, lawmakers examined five potential reforms:

1. Local Referendums on Homestead Property Tax Elimination
   Each city, county, and special district would be required to hold a public vote on whether to eliminate homestead property taxes. The goal: let taxpayers decide if the services they receive justify the taxes they pay.
   
2. New Homestead Exemption Up to $1 Million
   A new exemption of $500,000 for non-school property taxes would be created. Homeowners over 65 or those with homesteads for more than 30 years would be eligible for up to $1 million in exemptions—offering broad relief to seniors and long-term residents.
   
3. Legislative Authority to Adjust Exemption Amounts
   This proposal would give the Legislature the power to increase the homestead exemption without requiring a statewide referendum, streamlining the reform process.
   
4. Revised Assessment Caps
   Homestead property assessments would be capped at 3% every three years (down from 3% annually), while non-homestead caps would shift from 10% per year to 15% every three years—aimed at stabilizing tax bills and slowing government spending growth.
   
5. Ban on Homestead Foreclosures Over Unpaid Taxes
   This measure would prevent the government from seizing a primary residence due to unpaid taxes, treating public entities like private creditors, and reinforcing protections for homeowners.
   

State Rep. Vicki Lopez, co-chair of the committee, emphasized the urgency: “We have so much to do in so little time.”

Still, not all lawmakers are fully on board. “We have to be cautiously optimistic,” said State Rep. Anna V. Eskamani (D-Orlando). “Our constituents still expect quality public services—from law enforcement to education—and we need to be realistic about how we fund those.”

Speaker Perez said the committee will continue working through the rest of the year to finalize proposals. The goal is to introduce a House Joint Resolution—or several—at the start of the 2026 legislative session, with the aim of getting a property tax reform measure on the November 2026 ballot.

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(Image credit: Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)

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