Florida’s Property Tax Debate Heats Up: Five Reform Ideas on the Table
As Florida lawmakers wrap up the 2025 legislative session, one issue refuses to fade: property tax relief. With no official proposals yet from the legislature, Florida Tax Watch has stepped forward with five reform options designed to spark discussion and action.
Five Reform Options from Florida Tax Watch
1. Immediate Statutory Reforms
Florida Tax Watch recommends legislative changes for the 2026 session aimed at enhancing transparency. These would include making the rolled-back tax rate the default and strengthening disclosure requirements on tax notices to ensure property owners understand exactly what they’re paying.
2. Phased Elimination for Homeowners
This proposal suggests gradually phasing out property taxes on homestead properties over multiple years. By implementing a slow, predictable approach, local governments would have time to adapt to the decline in revenue.
3. Prioritizing Seniors
Senior citizens living on fixed incomes could benefit from an accelerated elimination of property taxes. This option would deliver immediate relief to a group often hardest hit by rising housing costs.
4. Excluding School Taxes
Another idea focuses on eliminating all non-school property taxes for homeowners, thereby preserving the primary funding source for public education while still easing the burden on taxpayers.
5. Across-the-Board Tax Reduction
A straightforward, percentage-based reduction in the assessed value of all properties would offer immediate, broad-based relief to homeowners and businesses alike.
The Fiscal Challenge: Balancing Relief and Services
Florida Tax Watch cautions that these options aren’t without consequence. Cutting property taxes risks reducing the revenue available for critical local services. “It’s really important that whatever we do in all 67 counties, core government functions can still be carried out,” said Jeff Knottkamp, Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Florida Tax Watch.
Political Perspectives: Relief vs. Revenue
Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly expressed concern about the potential ripple effects: “They’re either going to have to embrace at 12% sales tax or have a conversation with voters about defunding police, defunding educators, and defunding transportation,” he warned. “Let’s see what the consequence of that property tax repeal might be.”
Meanwhile, Governor Ron DeSantis has doubled down on his commitment to deliver tax relief. “Don’t let anyone tell you that we can’t do anything on property tax,” DeSantis said. “Trust me, entrenched politicians are going to say that.”
What’s Next
The House Select Committee on Property Taxes plans to meet again in October, with proposals expected in November. As the debate over Florida’s property taxes intensifies, these five ideas from Florida Tax Watch could shape the future of tax policy—and directly impact homeowners across the state.
My Take
No matter what we do, relief in one area will inevitably create a burden in another. This is a classic case of “be careful what you wish for.” Property taxes fund vital services—like schools, infrastructure, and public safety—that communities rely on. Reducing or eliminating these taxes without a clear replacement strategy risks undermining those services.
I support thoughtful tax reform, but I am also mindful of the impact of wholesale change without a plan. Any proposal to overhaul Florida’s property tax system must balance relief with responsibility, ensuring that critical programs remain funded and our communities stay strong.
A Call to Action
This is not a conversation to leave solely to legislators. Floridians—whether homeowners, renters, educators, or business leaders—have a stake in the future of our tax system. If these reforms matter to you, reach out to your local representatives, attend public hearings, or submit comments to the House Select Committee on Property Taxes when proposals are released.
By engaging now, you can help ensure that any tax reform reflects the real needs of your community, safeguards essential services, and strikes a fair balance between relief and responsibility.
