TALLAHASSEE, Florida, Jan 29, 2026, 01:07 EST
- Florida’s House Ways & Means Committee pushed forward HJR 213, a proposal aimed at slowing the growth of assessed values that determine most local property taxes.
- House staff analysis cautioned that if voters approve the change, local non-school property tax revenue could decline in fiscal 2027-28.
- Maui County announced that the second installment of its fiscal 2025–26 real property taxes must be paid by Feb. 20, with late fees applied to any outstanding amounts.
On Tuesday, Florida’s House Ways & Means Committee moved forward a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at overhauling the state’s “Save Our Homes” rules. The change would slow the increase in taxable property values that fund most local taxes.
Lawmakers are acting fast amid homeowner complaints that soaring assessed values are driving bills even higher, on top of climbing insurance costs. The House is pushing property-tax relief as a major measure, aiming to enshrine it in the state constitution rather than just adjusting it through regular legislation.
If it makes the ballot and wins approval, the shift would reshape budgets for counties, cities, and special districts depending on value-based property taxes. Supporters hail it as relief; critics warn it could trigger cuts or push costs onto renters and businesses.
House Joint Resolution 213 proposes moving most county and city property assessments for non-school taxes onto a three-year schedule, though school district taxes would remain annual. The measure would cap assessed value increases on homesteaded primary residences at 3% over three years—or the rate of inflation if it’s lower. Non-homestead properties, including rentals and commercial buildings, would be limited to a 15% increase during that timeframe.
Sponsor Rep. Griff Griffitts, a Republican from Panama City Beach, said local governments will need to “prioritize” their spending but insisted, “We’re not cutting anybody’s ability to operate.” On the other side, Democrat Robin Bartleman of Weston criticized lawmakers as “part of the problem” after years of state mandates, warning counties could be left strapped for options. Meanwhile, Gov. Ron DeSantis has pushed for lawmakers to put a tax-cut amendment before voters this year. (CBS News)
The House is pushing proposals to phase out non-school taxes on homesteads over about ten years and to increase the homestead exemption for insured property owners. The Senate, however, has yet to present its own property-tax plan.
Fiscal calculations remain uncertain and could hit local budgets hard. A nonpartisan staff report projects a $1.7 billion cash shortfall in local non-school property taxes for fiscal 2027-28, with a recurring $5.2 billion loss if current tax rates hold. The analysis also warned of additional pressure from limiting “recapture,” a mechanism that allows assessed values to climb toward market value even when the market dips. (Flsenate)
The resolution requires a three-fifths majority approval in both chambers to pass the Legislature, followed by at least 60% voter support statewide in the November 2026 election. It’s set to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2027.
A Mason-Dixon poll commissioned by the Florida Policy Institute shows 63% of Florida voters want lawmakers to focus on property insurance relief rather than property tax relief, which 32% preferred. “Families here are feeling the squeeze,” said FPI CEO Sadaf Knight. The telephone survey of 625 registered voters took place Jan. 8-12, with a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points. (Floridapolicy)
The House calendar listed HJR 213 for second reading on Wednesday, moving it closer to floor debate. Other related House resolutions propose scrapping or gradually phasing out non-school property taxes on homesteads, along with one addressing property insurance. (Flsenate)
Maui County in Hawai‘i has alerted property owners that the second installment of fiscal 2025–26 real property taxes must be paid by Feb. 20. According to the county finance department, missed payments will incur a one-time 10% penalty plus 1% monthly interest on any outstanding balance. (Maui Now)
The battles vary in specifics, but the core issue remains unchanged: housing costs are tightening budgets across the board, both public and private. Tax relief, much like insurance relief, is edging into election-year politics.
