Irma Garcia - Realtor

06/08/2026

Florida lawmakers approved the proposal to go before voters on the November 2026 ballot as a proposed constitutional amendment. It would still need at least 60% voter approval statewide to pass before any changes take effect

06/06/2026

What Do You Need to Know?
HB 803, signed into law on May 7, 2026, exempts certain residential construction work valued under $7,500 from building permit requirements, effective July 1, 2026 - but the bill’s impact on Florida’s construction industry extends well beyond that headline provision.

HB 803 accelerates the issuance of building permits by limiting local building department oversight and discretion and expanding the role and autonomy of private providers.

The bill also amends Chapter 720, Florida Statutes, to prohibit homeowners’ associations from requiring a building permit as a prerequisite for their architectural review of an owner’s proposed improvements.

The New $7,500 Threshold

Under the new law, local governments that issue building permits must exempt an owner of a single-family dwelling, or the owner’s contractor, from the requirement to obtain a building permit for any work valued at less than $7,500 on the owner’s property. While the new law still requires submission of a “written request for exemption,” the aim is to reduce unnecessary delays and costs associated with smaller home improvement projects.

Importantly, the law prohibits a construction project from being divided into more than one project for the purpose of evading the $7,500 threshold. Contractors should be mindful that any attempt to split a larger scope of work into smaller components in order to fall below the exemption limit will not be permitted under the statute. Additionally, the exemption does not apply to electrical, plumbing, structural, mechanical, or gas work under $7,500, which remains subject to permitting requirements, or to work on a property that is partially or entirely located in a flood hazard area as defined by the Florida Building Code.

06/06/2026

Property tax amendment heads to voters

Lawmakers approve a constitutional amendment that seeks to reshape Florida’s property tax system. It must be approved by Florida voters during the November general election.
The Florida Legislature has approved House Joint Resolution 1-F, a proposed constitutional amendment that would significantly expand homestead property tax exemptions, provide additional tax protections for non-homestead properties, and establish a framework for future reductions in local property taxes.

If approved by Florida voters in November, the amendment would increase the homestead property tax exemption to $150,000 on January 1, 2027, and $250,000 on January 1, 2028, for the non-school portion of property taxes and would be adjusted annually for inflation thereafter.

For property owners who are not permanent residents of Florida as of December 31, 2026, the proposal also creates a five-year homestead exemption on the first $50,000 of assessed value of homestead properties. After five years of Florida residency, the homestead owner would receive the full homestead exemption available to Florida residents.

The amendment would also require counties and municipalities to prioritize remaining property tax revenues for specific governmental functions. Those functions include public safety services such as law enforcement, fire protection, and emergency medical services; transportation and infrastructure projects, including road and bridge construction and stormwater management; natural resource and flood control projects; retirement benefits for local government employees; repayment of bond obligations; and the operations of county and municipal governments.

Additionally, the proposal includes provisions affecting commercial and other non-homestead properties. Current constitutional limitations allow assessed values of non-homestead properties to increase by up to 10% annually for tax purposes. Under HJR 1-F, the cap would be reduced to 5% beginning January 1, 2027.

06/05/2026

05/28/2026

Preparing to sell comes with a lot of questions, and having the right answers can make all the difference.

✨ Getting your home ready often starts with decluttering, minor updates, and creating a clean, inviting space
📊 Pricing expectations depend on market conditions, location, and your home’s features
🛠️ Home inspections can be done before listing or during escrow, depending on your strategy
🛋️ Staging vs. empty comes down to presentation—well-styled spaces can help buyers better visualize the home

Every decision plays a role in how quickly and successfully your home sells. A trusted real estate agent can help answer these questions, guide your strategy, and ensure each step is aligned with your goals.

Let’s connect to create a plan that prepares your home, positions it competitively, and maximizes your results!

05/28/2026

Home is where routines feel easy, moments feel meaningful, and everything just feels right. The right home supports your lifestyle, your goals, and the way you want to live every day. Let’s find you a home that feels as good as it looks!

05/26/2026

Floating shelves are a simple way to elevate both style and function in any space. Whether adding storage or creating a design moment, the right setup makes all the difference.

📏 Choose the right size – Match shelf length and depth to your wall and purpose
🧱 Install securely – Anchor into studs or use proper hardware for support
🎨 Style intentionally – Mix decor, books, and greenery for a balanced look
⚖️ Keep it minimal – Avoid overcrowding to maintain a clean, modern feel

Floating shelves can transform a wall into a focal point while keeping your home organized and visually appealing.

Reach out for more home styling tips to elevate your space