The Florida House moved forward with several proposals Thursday aimed at reducing non-school property taxes, though the measures face an uncertain path ahead.

The proposals cleared their first committee votes and include multiple approaches: one would eliminate non-school property taxes immediately, another would phase them out over 10 years, and a third would eliminate such taxes only for homeowners 65 and older. All versions include requirements that local governments maintain their law enforcement budgets.

Republican supporters framed the measures as returning money to residents. Democratic lawmakers raised concerns about the fiscal impact on local governments, which rely on property taxes as their primary source of revenue. The Florida Policy Institute estimates that maintaining current services would require $43 billion if the proposals become law.

Any constitutional amendment would require voter approval in 2026 with at least 60% support. The Senate has not filed companion legislation, and Governor Ron DeSantis has criticized the idea of placing multiple tax proposals on the 2026 ballot.

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