Overview

• House Select Committee members weighed options ranging from a larger homestead exemption of up to $500,000 on non-school levies to tightening assessment caps and barring foreclosure on homesteaded properties for unpaid taxes.
• One proposal under discussion from U.S. Rep. Ryan Chamberlin would replace property taxes with a 15% tax on real estate transactions and a 5% levy on tourism-related services, which he projects could raise $16 billion combined.
• Committee co-chair Rep. Toby Overdorf said final recommendations are expected by November or December, with the possibility of one or two amendments and accompanying legislation.
• Any measure would need approval from both chambers, Florida Supreme Court review, and at least 60% voter support in November 2026.
• Supporters, including Gov. Ron DeSantis, tout direct relief for residents, while watchdogs and Democrats warn that cutting the roughly $55 billion in annual property-tax revenue could shift costs and strain local services, a concern state CFO Blaise Ingoglia counters by citing what he calls wasteful local spending.