State Senator Mack Bernard, a West Palm Beach Democrat, has introduced five property tax relief proposals as Florida lawmakers continue debating how to reduce the tax burden on homeowners.

One proposal, SJR 270, would exempt seniors aged 65 and older from paying the non-school portion of property taxes if they have maintained a homestead exemption for at least five years and earn less than $350,000 annually.

Another measure, SJR 274, targets long-term homeowners by freezing property assessed values after 20 years of ownership and residency. After 30 years, those homeowners would receive an additional homestead exemption equal to 50% of their property’s assessed value.

Bernard said his proposals aim to help Florida residents, particularly seniors on fixed incomes who have faced numerous property tax increases. He also expressed concern about protecting small businesses that own property.

The proposals join at least 13 other property tax relief options under consideration by state lawmakers. House Republicans have already presented their ideas, but Senate Republican leadership has not yet weighed in with its own plan.

Governor Ron DeSantis has criticized some of the proposals as “political theater” on social media, while House Speaker Danny Perez responded that the governor has not produced his own detailed plan and has declined to discuss the House’s proposals.

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(Image credit: Tallahassee Democrat)

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