AFPI-FL Applauds Legislature’s Passage of Historic Property Tax Relief Amendment

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Bob Rommel, Florida Chapter Chair of the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), today issued the following statement after the Florida Legislature approved a constitutional amendment to dramatically expand the homestead exemption and put Florida on a path toward eliminating property taxes on primary residences:

“Florida has no state income tax, yet for years our homeowners have shouldered an ever-rising property tax burden. Statewide property tax collections have grown from roughly $31 billion in 2019 to about $55 billion in 2024 — an increase of nearly 80 percent in just five years, and more than three times the rate of inflation over that period.

That kind of unchecked growth does not only strain today’s homeowners; it pushes homeownership further out of reach for the next generation. Nationally, the median age of a first-time homebuyer has now climbed to a record 40.

While other states continue to raise taxes, Florida is once again showing the nation how government ought to act. I commend Governor DeSantis, Speaker Perez, and Senate President Albritton for their leadership.”

Meeting in special session, the Senate passed the measure 30–9, and the House passed it 75–26, sending it to voters on the November 2026 ballot, where it will require at least 60% approval to take effect.

If approved by voters, the amendment would raise Florida’s homestead exemption from the current $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. The expanded exemption would not apply to school district property tax levies, protecting funding for Florida’s schools.

Learn more about AFPI Florida here.