Overview
- The GOP-led State Affairs Committee voted 18–7 to advance HJR 201, 205, 209 and 211, moving the quartet to Ways & Means on the path to a possible House floor vote in 2026.
- HJR 201 would end non-school homestead taxes with a projected $14.1 billion first-year local shortfall rising above $18 billion annually, while HJR 205 for residents 65+ carries a $5.1 billion first-year hit and HJR 211’s full portability change is estimated near $337 million a year.
- All four measures exempt school taxes and bar cuts to property‑tax‑funded law enforcement below current levels, leaving services like fire rescue and 911 potentially exposed pending implementation details.
- Realtor.com estimates eliminating such taxes would lift Florida home prices by roughly 7% to 9% and add $200–$250 billion in owner‑occupied value, a gain for current owners that could squeeze first‑time buyers and shift costs to renters and businesses.
- The measures advanced on party lines as Democrats and local officials warned of cuts to water management, roads and emergency services, while Gov. Ron DeSantis presses for a single amendment and no Senate companions have been filed.