In late 2025, Ron DeSantis — Governor of Florida — unveiled what many are calling one of the boldest overhauls of state tax policy in modern American history: a plan to completely eliminate property taxes on primary residences for many Florida homeowners. If adopted, the policy could transform home-ownership calculus, reshape local government funding, and redraw the economic map of the Sunshine State.

The plan — already making headway in the state legislature — has supporters celebrating the prospect of major home-owner savings, while critics warn of severe consequences for local services, public schools, and long-term fiscal stability.

What the Plan Proposes — and How It Would Work

Under the proposals now moving through the Florida House, several joint resolutions and bills (including HJR 201, HJR 203, HJR 205, and a companion bill HB 215) would eliminate or sharply cut non-school property taxes on homes with a homestead exemption

Key ideas in the package include:

Full Elimination: HJR 201 would wipe out non-school property taxes on homesteaded homes entirely.

Phased Approach: HJR 203 would phase out property taxes over ten years, increasing the assessed-value exemption annually until elimination.

Targeted Relief for Seniors: HJR 205 offers immediate elimination of non-school property taxes for homesteaded homeowners over 65.

Increased Homestead Exemptions: Other proposals would raise the exemption amount (e.g., to 25% of assessed home value), benefiting both existing and first-time homeowners.

Safeguards for Local Services: Advocates say school taxes (which fund the bulk of K–12 education) would remain intact; essential services funding — police, fire, emergency — would be maintained at current levels at minimum.

DeSantis has publicly backed the efforts, arguing the policy restores fairness to homeowners. “Why should you pay rent to the government for a home you’ve already bought?” he asked in early 2025.

He also called on the Legislature to put a single, clean constitutional amendment on the ballot for voters in 2026 — rather than multiple, confusing proposals.

The Promise: Relief for Homeowners and a Boost for Homeownership

For many Florida homeowners, the proposals offer palpable hope. Rising property values in recent years have pushed tax bills higher — for families on fixed incomes, retirees, and first-time buyers, that burden has become increasingly heavy.

By eliminating or reducing property taxes, proponents say homeowners could save on average around US$ 1,000 per year — a modest but meaningful relief for many families.

The measure may also encourage more buyers to move to Florida, potentially boosting homeownership rates and stimulating local real estate markets — especially in cities with booming populations and high housing demand.

In the words of DeSantis, putting Florida residents first — rather than transient property owners or second-home investors — is about giving everyday homeowners a fair shake.

The Risks & Criticisms: What Could Break If the Plan Passes

However, the plan has generated fierce opposition — and for good reason. Critics argue that erasing property taxes could destabilize local governments that rely heavily on that revenue to pay for essential services, infrastructure, schools, law enforcement, emergency services, parks, and public safety.

One widely-cited analysis from the Florida Policy Institute (FPI) estimates the shift could cost local governments billions of dollars annually — money that would need replacement either through raised sales taxes, new fees, or deeper budget cuts.

In rural and financially fragile counties, such a loss of revenue could translate into reduced public services, deteriorating infrastructure, or increased financial pressure on residents still paying other taxes or fees.

Some critics also warn the tax cut would disproportionately benefit wealthier homeowners, who own more valuable properties — while doing little for renters or lower-income households who don’t own homes.

Others fear the plan is short-sighted: unless the state finds reliable new revenue streams, local governments may face chronic underfunding. What Happens Next: Ballot, Voters, and Political Stakes

Because property taxes are levied at the local level, the only way to enact this sweeping change statewide is through a constitutional amendment. That would require a three-fifths vote in both legislative chambers to place the measure on the November 2026 ballot — then at least 60% of voters approving it.

DeSantis has stressed the importance of presenting a single, clearly worded amendment — an attempt to avoid confusion that plagued previous referenda.

At the same time, legislative committees continue advancing components of the proposal while public debate intensifies.

Public opinion appears cautiously divided: a recent poll of likely Florida voters showed a plurality support for eliminating property taxes for homeowners — but not the 60% threshold needed for passage.

Why This Matters — For Florida and Beyond

If passed, the measure would dramatically reshape the fiscal architecture of Florida. It would mark one of the most aggressive restructurings of local vs. state tax burdens in recent U.S. history — potentially offering a “blueprint” other states might watch or imitate.

For homeowners, it could make owning a home far more affordable — especially in a state where housing costs have soared. For younger buyers, retirees, and families struggling with cost of living, the difference between shelling out thousands per year or saving them could be life-changing.