The Florida House of Representatives passed a joint resolution placing a constitutional amendment on the November 2026 ballot to erase all non-school property taxes on homesteaded homes in the lower chamber this week.
The joint resolution (HJR 203) passed 80-30 along party lines, with all Republicans supporting the motion and Democrats opposing it. Rep. Monique Miller (R-Palm Bay) sponsored the initial resolution.
Rep. Miller proposed an amendment to accelerate the phase-out immediately instead of over 10 years during debate, which was approved. Proponents argue the resolution could provide historic tax relief for Floridians, while others, including Democrats, worry it could have budget impacts and move lost revenue to other avenues, including sales taxes, and shift lost costs onto small business owners and other entities.
“Our actions today are not sudden, nor do they meet any reasonable definition of quick," Florida House Speaker Danny Perez said before its passing.
Could it be a pipe dream regardless?
A proposal eventually getting on the November ballot is more of an uphill battle. The Florida Senate has yet to put any plan in motion on property taxes, despite it being a major talking point in Tallahassee and with residents statewide looking for that "historic" relief.
The House, however, has done its part by putting out a series of plans last October.
Making matters potentially worse, the resolution needs a three-fifths majority in the Senate to pass. Unlike bills, it would be the final hurdle, as it does not need approval from Gov. Ron DeSantis in order to appear on the ballot.
But don't tell those odds to Gov. Ron DeSantis, who seemed optimistic the upper chamber would come through.
"Regarding a property tax proposal for the 2026 ballot: we’ve been working with members of the Senate who have been great partners. Given that it can’t be voted on by the people before November, it’s better to do it right than do it quick!" DeSantis wrote on social media.
The resolution, if all worked out, would need 60% voter approval in November to pass.
