06/01/2026
UPDATED AT 5pm 05/29/26
📍 Florida Property Tax — Where Things Actually Stand (Updated May 29, 2026)
I went and read the actual filed bill (SJR 2-F). Here are the verified facts, straight from the text.
🔹 The exemption is phased, not immediate. The homestead exemption rises to $150,000 starting Jan 1, 2027, then to $250,000 starting Jan 1, 2028.  Not “$250K right away” like the graphics going around show.
🔹 DeSantis estimates the $250K level would mean about 60% of homesteaded owners pay $0. That’s his estimate, not a figure written into the bill.
🔹 The bill directs the Legislature to create a procedure to keep raising the exemption up to all remaining assessed value  — the path toward fully eliminating homestead property tax over time.
🔹 Primary residences only. Rentals, second homes and commercial property stay taxed, but their annual assessment increases get capped at 10%, dropping to 5% beginning Jan 1, 2027, and that cap does not apply to school district levies. 
🔹 New residents who establish Florida residency after Jan 1, 2027 get a $50,000 exemption at first and qualify for the full exemption in their fifth year. 
🔹 Remaining county and city property taxes would be restricted to core services only: public safety, education and schools, infrastructure, and natural resources. 
🔹 Special Session starts Monday, June 1. Filed May 28 as SJR 2-F / SB 4-F (Sen. Avila), now in Appropriations.  Needs 60% of the Legislature, then 60% of voters in November. Takes effect Jan 1, 2027 if approved. 
🔹 NOT law. Nothing has passed yet, and lawmakers say the language could still change.
Clearing up the myths:
🔹 “They’re raising sales tax” is false. Nothing in the bill raises any tax. Sales tax stays 6%. A state trust fund would give grants to local governments instead. 
🔹 “Renters pay for it” is false. Nothing in the bill taxes renters. The bill actually lets the Legislature provide renters ad valorem tax relief. 
🔹 The driver DeSantis cites: local property tax revenue nearly doubled in seven years, from about $32 billion to $60 billion, projected to reach about $83 billion by 2032. 
🔹 The pushback: the Florida League of Cities warns 85 cities, especially small ones, could struggle to fund public safety. 
Read it yourself: search “Florida Senate SJR 2-F.”
Verified against the filed bill this morning. I’ll update as the session unfolds.
