Four proposed constitutional amendments aimed at reducing property taxes for Florida homeowners cleared a significant hurdle this week when the House State Affairs Committee approved them on Tuesday.

The proposals, all filed in October, focus on cutting property taxes through various exemption strategies. If approved by the full legislature and 60% of voters in 2026, the amendments would take effect in 2027.

The four measures are:

• HJR 201 would eliminate all non-school property taxes for homesteaded properties.
• HJR 205 would exempt residents 65 and older from paying non-school taxes on their homes.
• HJR 209 would increase homestead exemptions for non-school property taxes by $100,000, but only for properties covered by comprehensive multiperil insurance.
• HJR 211 would allow homeowners to transfer the full value of accrued tax benefits from special assessment limitations to a new homestead for non-school levies.

All four proposals include provisions preventing local governments from reducing law enforcement budgets due to decreased property tax revenue. State Rep. Tobin Overdorf, chairman of the House Select Committee on Property Taxes, said school funding would not be affected.

Governor Ron DeSantis has advocated for property tax reduction but has criticized the multiple-amendment approach, preferring a single comprehensive measure to avoid voter confusion.

The proposals now move to the Ways and Means Committee, with HJR 209 scheduled for consideration on December 10. If they clear that committee, they will proceed to a full House vote.

Property taxes in Florida are controlled locally and fund services, including law enforcement and fire departments. Any state action requires a constitutional amendment approved by 60% of voters.

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

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