Abolishing the property tax, raising the exemptions on the property taxes, conducting studies to eliminate property taxes. Cutting the commercial rental tax, more tax holidays. On the surface, it’s the biggest issue in the legislative session this year,
Abolishing property taxes. Governor Ron DeSantis wants to put it up for the voters to decide in the 2026 state election. If the process doesn’t make it happen, another idea that could be placed on next year’s ballot, more exemptions for property owners.
This is an idea promoted by Florida State Rep. Ryan Chamberlin ,who wants to create a new $100,000 tax exemption on all properties. If legislators give it the green light, it will be on the 2026 Florida ballot.
But before any of this moves forward, Rep. Chamberlin says a funding study is needed to see what could or would replace the property tax.
“That is the $64,000 dollar question,” says Jacksonville City Councilman Rory Diamond.
Diamond says he loves the idea of looking at how property taxes should be revamped but admits there needs to be a replacement mechanism to make it work.
Rep. Chamberlin says his property tax study is to find a better, more fair, efficient way to fund government. Some of the replacement proposals being bantered around are a combination of fees and consumption taxes. The study will also have to look at other areas of raising revenue when it comes to funding schools, public safety, and waste management.
If ending the property tax is supported by 60% of Florida voters, it may not happen immediately. Rep. Chamberlin says it may take 7 to 8 years before the process is finalized.
“We will also have a plan to fund our rural county governments and ensure there is no break in funding for students,” Chamberlin said.
Besides the conversation about property taxes, DeSantis also wants to see the state’s tax on commercial rentals sunset and push through a sales tax holiday for marine fuel and ammunition purchases.
