HJR 203 passes 80-30 on party lines, promising thousands in annual savings but sparking warnings of local budget shortfalls
Tallahassee, FL – February 20, 2026 The Republican-led Florida House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly on February 19 to advance a constitutional amendment that would eliminate all non-school property taxes on homestead-exempt properties starting January 1, 2027.
House Joint Resolution 203 (HJR 203) passed 80-30, strictly along party lines, with all Republicans in support and all Democrats opposing. If approved by voters in the November 2026 general election (requiring 60% support), the measure would exempt primary residences from county, city, municipal, and other non-school ad valorem taxes, potentially saving the average Florida homeowner thousands of dollars annually.
The proposal, sponsored by Rep. Monique Miller (R-Palm Bay), originally called for a phased increase in the homestead exemption by $100,000 each year over a decade, leading to full non-school tax exemption by 2037. However, amendments adopted before the final vote accelerated the timeline to an immediate full exemption beginning in 2027, while adding protections to prevent local governments from reducing funding for law enforcement, firefighters, and other first responders below current levels.
Supporters argue the change provides immediate relief to homeowners facing rising housing costs and property tax burdens, aligning with Governor Ron DeSantis’ long-standing push to eliminate or significantly reduce property taxes on homesteads. DeSantis has called lesser reforms “half measures” and praised the accelerated approach.
Critics, including Democrats and local government officials, warn that the sudden loss of non-school tax revenue could create massive budget shortfalls — estimated at up to $13 billion annually for counties, cities, and special districts. Opponents say the amendment shifts the tax burden onto non-homestead properties (such as rentals, businesses, and second homes) and threatens funding for essential services like roads, libraries, parks, and emergency response.
The bill now moves to the Florida Senate, where a companion measure is expected. Even if it passes both chambers, the amendment must win 60% voter approval in November 2026 to take effect.
L’Union Suite will continue tracking the proposal’s progress through the Senate, any amendments, and potential impacts on Florida’s Haitian-American and immigrant homeowners who rely on homestead exemptions for affordability.
