Legislative Update 2025.11

November committee meetings are underway, bringing sharper focus to the 2026 Legislative Session. The most significant development centers on property tax reform – with the House unveiling eight constitutional amendment proposals aimed at reducing or eliminating property taxes. These measures, if advanced, would appear on the 2026 ballot for voter approval.

The proposals stem from the Select Committee on Property Taxes and share two key safeguards:

1. No reduction in law enforcement funding by affected government entities.
2. School taxes remain fully exempt—preserving the $21 billion (46% of total school funding) they generate annually.

House Property Tax Reform Proposals

CATEGORICAL ELIMINATIONS

• HJR 201 by Rep. Kevin Steele (Pasco) eliminates non-school homestead property taxes.

• HJR 203 by Rep. Monique Miller (Brevard) phases out non-school homestead property taxes over a ten-year period. Each year homeowners would receive an additional $100,000 exemption. After ten years, all non-school homestead property taxes would be eliminated.
• HJR 205 by Rep. Juan Porras (Miami-Dade) exempts Florida residents over the age of 65 from paying non-school homestead property taxes.

 ADDITIONAL EXEMPTIONS

• HJR 207 by Rep. Shane Abbott (Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson, Walton, and Washington) creates a new homestead exemption for non-school property taxes equal to 25% of the assessed value of the house. In addition to providing relief to current homeowners, it would also benefit first-time homebuyers.
• HJR 209 by Rep. Demi Busatta (Miami-Dade) creates a new property insurance relief homestead tax exemption. Homestead property owners who have property insurance will be entitled to an additional $100,000 exemption on non-school property taxes.

REFORMS

• HJR 211 by Rep. Toby Overdorf (Martin, St. Lucie) eliminates the cap on portability, allowing a homeowner to transfer their entire accumulated Save Our Homes benefit to their new home, even if that home has a lesser value.

• HJR 213 by Rep. Griff Griffitts (Bay) limits the growth in assessed value of non-school homestead property taxes to 3% over three years for homestead property (currently it is 3% per year) and 15% over three years for non-homestead property (currently it is 10% per year).
• HB 215 by Rep. Jon Albert (Polk) makes various statutory changes including requiring a 2/3 vote for any increase in the millage rate and allowing newly married couples to combine their accumulated Save Our Homes benefits.

Upcoming 2026 Legislative Session Committee Meetings

• November 3–7
• November 17–21
• December 1–5
• December 8–12

Legislative Session is scheduled to begin on January 13th. The 60 day session scheduled to run through March 13th. 

2026 Legislative Priority

House Bill 39 / Senate Bill 118 – Assessments Levied on Recreational Vehicle Parks

Filed by Rep. Danny Nix (Charlotte, Sarasota) and Sen. Keith Truenow (Lake, Orange) to ensure special assessments on RV campsites do not exceed the maximum legal RV square footage. Neither chamber has scheduled a first hearing. We will notify you immediately when they do.

Election Updates

Two special elections are set for December 9:

1. Senate District 11 (Citrus, Hernando, Sumter, part of Pasco) – Vacated by CFO Blaise Ingoglia. Former Rep. Ralph Massullo (R) is heavily favored.
2. House District 90 (Palm Beach) – Vacated by the late Rep. Joe Cassello. Delray Beach Vice Mayor Rob Long (D) is expected to win this safe Democratic seat.

The Governor has also scheduled two additional special elections which will host primaries if necessary on January 13 with the Special Elections scheduled for March 24:

• To replace Rep. Mike Caruso (appointed Palm Beach County Clerk of Court).
• To fill the Senate seat vacated by Lt. Gov. Jay Collins—who is now the third notable Republican exploring a 2026 gubernatorial bid.

On the Democratic side, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings is expected to enter the governor’s race, setting up a primary challenge against David Jolly (former Republican, turned Independent, turned Democrat).

Stay Connected

With election season heating up and bold policy proposals taking shape, your engagement remains critical to our advocacy success. Our team is tracking every development in Tallahassee and beyond. We’re committed to protecting and strengthening the industry as the 2026 session approaches.