Lawmakers approve a constitutional amendment that seeks to reshape Florida's property tax system. It must be approved by Florida voters during the November general election.

The Florida Legislature has approved House Joint Resolution 1-F, a proposed constitutional amendment that would significantly expand homestead property tax exemptions, provide additional tax protections for non-homestead properties, and establish a framework for future reductions in local property taxes.

If approved by Florida voters in November, the amendment would increase the homestead property tax exemption to $150,000 on January 1, 2027, and $250,000 on January 1, 2028, for the non-school portion of property taxes and would be adjusted annually for inflation thereafter.

For property owners who are not permanent residents of Florida as of December 31, 2026, the proposal also creates a five-year homestead exemption on the first $50,000 of assessed value of homestead properties. After five years of Florida residency, the homestead owner would receive the full homestead exemption available to Florida residents.

The amendment would also require counties and municipalities to prioritize remaining property tax revenues for specific governmental functions. Those functions include public safety services such as law enforcement, fire protection, and emergency medical services; transportation and infrastructure projects, including road and bridge construction and stormwater management; natural resource and flood control projects; retirement benefits for local government employees; repayment of bond obligations; and the operations of county and municipal governments.

Additionally, the proposal includes provisions affecting commercial and other non-homestead properties. Current constitutional limitations allow assessed values of non-homestead properties to increase by up to 10% annually for tax purposes. Under HJR 1-F, the cap would be reduced to 5% beginning January 1, 2027.

The resolution further establishes a framework for additional ad valorem tax relief in the future. Counties, municipalities, and school districts would be required to participate in a uniform process, to be established by the Legislature, for considering further reductions in property taxes, potentially including complete elimination. Special districts would be authorized to provide additional property tax relief, up to full elimination, with voter approval.

Because HJR 1-F proposes an amendment to the Florida Constitution, it does not require the governor's signature. The measure must be approved by at least 60% of Florida voters before the proposed changes can take effect.

The resolution reflects ongoing efforts by state leaders to address the impact of property taxes on homeowners, businesses, and local governments.

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