Florida’s $0 Property Tax Proposal Comes With a Catch

The debate lines are solidifying around Florida's proposed homestead tax rollback, with voters just three weeks from deciding whether to radically reform the state's property tax system. The proposal to make homestead property tax-free would potentially eliminate taxes on most owner-occupied homes, in an initiative championed by outgoing Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican.If voters approve Florida Question 3, the state's homestead exemption for owner-occupied houses will rise from $50,000 now to $150,000 in 2027. Then it will rise to $250,000 in 2028. DeSantis estimates this would eliminate property tax for 60% of Florida homeowners. For the measure to pass, 60% of voters must support it. The two candidates to replace DeSantis as governor, Democrat David Jolly and Republican Byron Donalds, each have weighed in on the potentially major change to the state's budget. Donalds said he supports property tax reform in the state, but he has called for a mechanism to replace tax revenues that local police and fire departments will lose.Realtor.com® has approached Donalds' campaign, but did not receive a response to a request for comment on what his plan would be."Whether Amendment 3 passes or ...