We will conduct investigations to abolish property taxes, raise the exemption from property taxes, and eliminate property taxes. Reduced commercial rental tax, more tax exemption. On the surface, it is the biggest issue at this year’s legislative meeting.
Abolishing property tax. Gov. Ron DeSantis wants to set it up for voters to decide in the 2026 state election. If the process doesn’t make it happen, there’s an increase in another idea that could be placed on the vote next year: the property owner exemption.
This is an idea promoted by Florida State Assemblyman Ryan Chamberlin. He wants to create a new tax exemption of $100,000 on every property. If legislators give it a green light, it’s Florida’s vote in 2026.
But before any of this moves forward, Congressman Chamberlin says a funding survey is needed to see what could replace property taxes.
“That’s a $64,000 question,” says Jacksonville City Councilman Rory Diamond.
Diamond says he loves the idea of seeing how property taxes should be revamped, but he acknowledges that there is a replacement mechanism to make it work.
Chamberlin says his property tax investigation is to find a better, fairer and more efficient way to fund the government. Some of the exchange proposals that are hindered by those around them are a combination of fees and sales tax. The study should also consider other areas of revenue-raising when it comes to fundraising schools, public safety and waste management.
If property tax termination is supported by 60% of Florida voters, that may not happen anytime soon. Chamberlin says the process can take seven to eight years to complete.
“We’ll also plan to fund the country county government and make sure there are no snippets of funding for students,” Chamberlin said.
In addition to the property tax conversation, Desantis wants to check the state’s tax on the sundown on commercial rentals and promote sales tax leave for the purchase of marine fuel and ammunition.
