TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A contentious debate over property taxes will be at the heart of this year’s legislative session, which is set to begin Tuesday in Tallahassee.
House leaders are weighing several options — from cutting non-school property taxes to targeted relief for seniors — but local governments warn that cutting property taxes could come with consequences.
But the biggest challenge for lawmakers will be to figure out a way to cut property taxes without cutting essential city services.
Cities warn that a big drop in revenue could affect everything from fire and emergency services to water management and public works. These are essential services that may be jeopardized.
RELATED | AI, guns, health care, education & more: 10 legislative issues to watch in Florida in 2026
Gov. Ron DeSantis has been pushing for major property tax relief, even floating a constitutional amendment on the November ballot.
DeSantis has explained that the elimination of property taxes would only apply to homesteaded properties. Second homes, investment properties and vacation rentals would continue to be taxed.
Meanwhile, House leaders have proposed several options.
Senate leaders are on a different page. Senate President Ben Albritton wants to protect funding for essential city services.
Property taxes make up roughly 40 percent of city budgets, and public safety alone consumes more than half of that. According to the Florida League of Cities, public safety alone accounts for more than half of that spending.
Mayor Donna Deegan has explained on News4JAX that large cuts could force cities to raise fees and reduce services.
However, the governor said counties could make up for the lost revenue by relying on the state’s budget surplus, which state economists project will total nearly $4 billion next year.
Recent polling shows voters want relief, with 65 percent in support of reducing or eliminating property taxes.
As of now, lawmakers haven’t agreed on how to proceed. Before anything happens, they’ll have to come to some consensus and then pass legislation on to voters for their say at the ballot box.
This legislative session will also mark the last session for DeSantis.