Florida House Approves Homestead Nonschool Tax Exemption

The Florida House of Representatives approved a constitutional amendment on Thursday that would eliminate nonschool property taxes on homesteaded properties starting January 1, 2027, offering significant relief to homeowners amid rising housing costs.

House Joint Resolution 203, sponsored by Rep. Monique Miller, R-Palm Bay, passed by an 80-30 vote, with all Republicans in support and all Democrats opposed. The measure, one of several property tax relief proposals under consideration this session, now heads to the Senate for review. If it secures a three-fifths majority in both chambers, it would appear on the November 2026 general election ballot and require at least 60 percent voter approval to take effect.

Under the proposal, homestead properties—primary residences eligible for existing tax protections—would become fully exempt from ad valorem taxes levied for nonschool purposes, such as local government operations, while school district levies would remain unchanged. State estimates indicate the change could save Florida taxpayers $4.8 billion in its first year and up to $14.7 billion annually once fully implemented, according to a House staff analysis.