FLORIDA 2026
Florida Property Tax Elimination: Gov. DeSantis’ 2026 Plan & What Homeowners Face
For two years, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has pushed to eliminate property taxes entirely. In 2026, the proposal is hotter than ever — but can it actually pass? Here is the latest timeline, replacement math, and exclusive insights for Florida property owners.
Updated: February 13, 2026 · 8 min read
What Is the Florida Property Tax Elimination Proposal?
In early 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis shocked budget hawks by openly supporting florida property tax elimination — not just cuts. The current 2026 legislative session sees HB 73/SB 106 (dubbed the "H.O.M.E. Act") proposing to phase out ad valorem taxes on all homestead and non-homestead real estate by 2029. Unlike previous relief bills, this is a full elimination, estimated to remove $42 billion in annual local revenue.
The bill is co-sponsored by 18 House Republicans, yet faces fierce opposition from counties, school boards, and special districts. Florida eliminating property taxes would require a constitutional amendment (60% supermajority) and a replacement revenue stream — the core deadlock in 2026.
Timeline: How We Got Here (2024–2026)
Nov 2024
DeSantis mentions “creative ways” to kill property taxes during campaign stops.
Jan 2025
First draft of property tax elimination bill filed; no replacement plan → stalls.
Sept 2025
DeSantis directs Revenue Task Force to study sales-tax expansion & budget swaps.
Jan 2026
Revised 2026 bills introduced: proposes 1.5¢ state sales tax hike + services tax to replace 60% of lost revenue; 40% local cuts.
Feb 2026
Three committee hearings scheduled; vote expected mid-March.
How Would Florida Replace $42 Billion?
The 2026 proposal leans on a mix:
- Broaden sales tax to services (legal, accounting, landscaping) — estimated $18B/year
- 1.5% statewide sales tax increase (current 6% → 7.5%) — $12B
- Redirect documentary stamp taxes — $4B
- $8B in local government cuts (fire, libraries, road maintenance)
Exclusive insight: According to unaudited LOBSTER models (Local Budget Stress Test), even with these replacements, 42 of 67 counties would face “severe service reductions” by 2028. Miami-Dade estimates losing 1,200 police positions.
Florida Property Tax Elimination: Before & After
If the 2026 bill passes the Legislature and voters approve in November, here's how a typical homeowner fares:
| Scenario |
Median Home Value (FL) |
Annual Property Tax |
Sales Tax Rate |
Net Savings (est.) |
| 2025 – Current |
$410,000 |
$3,485 |
6.0% |
– |
| Elimination (proposed 2029) |
$410,000 |
$0 |
7.5% + services tax |
~$1,200/year * |
* Assumes household spends $70k/year on taxable goods/services; net after higher sales tax. Actual savings vary widely.
The Great Debate: Pros, Cons & Chances
Why eliminate?
- Make Florida the only no–property tax state, attracting residents/investors.
- Relief for seniors on fixed incomes.
- Remove disincentive to improve homes.
Why oppose?
- Local services defunding (schools, EMS).
- Regressive: sales tax hits lower incomes harder.
- Legal hurdles: 60% voter approval required.
Exclusive: 2026 Florida homeowner checklist
Don't wait for elimination — prepare now:
- ✅ Check if your county offers installment plans
- ✅ Apply for homestead exemption (if not done)
- ✅ Review your TRIM notice for errors
- ✅ Estimate your potential savings using Bhumi’s acre calculator
- ✅ Follow bill tracking: HB 73 / SB 106
- ✅ Contact your local legislator before March hearing
Most analysts predict elimination odds at 35% for 2026; higher for 2028.
Will Florida Eliminate Property Taxes? 2026 Prognosis
Despite DeSantis’ influence, the florida property tax elimination bill faces near-insurmountable opposition from the Florida Association of Counties and the League of Cities. Senate President Albritton stated Feb. 10: “The replacement plan is unfinished.” Our take: low chance (30-40%) this session. However, if placed on Nov. 2026 ballot, voters might approve — polling shows 57% support when services cuts aren’t highlighted.