A Florida House committee is preparing to take its first steps toward reshaping how property taxes are levied across the state — but Gov. Ron DeSantis’ most ambitious ideas won’t be part of the discussion.

Rep. Toby Overdorf, R-Palm City, co-chair of the new House Select Committee on Property Taxes, said lawmakers will examine a broad range of options when they convene Sept. 22-23 in Tallahassee. But a wholesale elimination of property taxes or direct rebate checks to homeowners — concepts pushed by DeSantis — are off the table.

“There’s a whole host of items that we’re reviewing and looking at,” Overdorf said, stressing that the committee is focused on long-term reforms rather than quick-turn spending.

The 37-member bipartisan panel was created after lawmakers adjourned this year without agreement on property tax cuts, despite pressure from DeSantis. House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, resisted the governor’s proposals, instead steering the issue into committee study.

The group is expected to meet through the year’s end to develop a constitutional amendment for the November 2026 ballot. Any changes would require approval from 60% of voters.

Local concerns and possible changes

Counties, cities, and school boards rely heavily on property taxes, which generated more than $55 billion last year — double what was collected a decade ago. The Florida Association of Counties has already begun warning lawmakers that cuts could strain services like police, fire, and schools.

Among the changes under review:

• Raising the $50,000 homestead exemption for primary residences.
• Expanding portability benefits under the Save Our Homes law.
• Adding new exemptions for disabled veterans.
• Exploring relief for heirs who inherit property.
• Standardizing property appraisal practices across counties.
• Limiting local tax hikes on rental and commercial properties.

Overdorf said lawmakers will need to balance relief with fiscal reality: “Whatever policy we wind up doing has to keep in mind that Miami-Dade County is very different from Liberty County or Baker County.”

DeSantis’ push and political divide

DeSantis has framed property taxes as incompatible with true home ownership, likening them to a government “fee” for living in one’s own house. His proposals have ranged from abolishing property taxes altogether to shifting to a “point-of-sale” model similar to car ownership.

The governor also floated a $5 billion plan to send $1,000 rebate checks to homeowners, an idea dismissed by legislative leaders as unrealistic.

Still, Overdorf downplayed talk of a rift with the governor, saying the committee is in contact with DeSantis’ team. The governor’s allies, including CFO Blaise Ingoglia, have been auditing local governments — a move widely seen as part of the broader campaign to challenge current tax structures.

For now, the House committee appears intent on a more measured approach — one that could reshape Florida’s tax code, but not in the sweeping fashion DeSantis envisions.

Follow the St. Pete-Clearwater Sun on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Google, & X

(Image credit: HBI Tax)

PIE-Sun.com: local St. Pete-Clearwater news