Property Tax Reform Moves Forward
The House Select Committee on Property Taxes has advanced all eight proposed constitutional amendments aimed at reducing or eliminating non-school homestead property taxes. Four of the proposals are scheduled for their second committee stop in State Affairs on December 2nd:
- HJR 201 – Complete elimination of non-school homestead property taxes
- HJR 205 – Elimination of non-school homestead property taxes for residents 65+
- HJR 209 – New $100,000 homestead exemption tied to maintaining property insurance
- HJR 211 – Full, uncapped portability of Save Our Homes benefits
If ultimately passed by the Legislature, these measures will appear on the 2026 ballot for Florida voters to decide.
Our Priority Bill – SB 118 (RV Park Assessments)
Great news: SB 118 by Sen. Keith Truenow cleared its first committee stop with strong support. Sen. Truenow expertly guided the bill through questions and secured a unanimous vote. No additional committee references have been scheduled yet. We’ll keep you posted the moment the next hearing is set.
House Declares December 8–12 “Artificial Intelligence Week”
Speaker Danny Perez has designated the final interim committee week as Artificial Intelligence Week. Subcommittee chairs have been directed to lead focused discussions on both the opportunities and risks AI presents in their policy areas. As the Speaker noted, the rapid evolution of this technology demands thoughtful, forward-looking policy to avoid long-term pitfalls.
New Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting
The House has created a Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting to examine questions raised by the Florida Supreme Court’s recent decision in Black Voters Matter v. Secretary of State. The goal is to seek clarity on the interplay between Florida’s Fair Districts amendments and federal law well ahead of the next decennial cycle, without triggering a full redistricting process. The Committee is set to have its first hearing on December 4th.
Special Election Updates
- December 9: SD 11 (Citrus, Hernando, Sumter counties and part of Pasco County) and HD 90 (Palm Beach County)
- March 24, 2026 Special Elections (primaries Jan. 13 if needed):
- Senate District 14 (Hillsborough) vacated by Lt. Gov. Jay Collins has been scheduled. Polk County Rep. Josie Tomkow has filed and is the clear frontrunner with strong early support.
Looking Ahead to 2026
All four Constitutional Officer seats (Governor, Attorney General, CFO, and Agriculture Commissioner) will be on the ballot in 2026, making it one of the most consequential election cycles in years. Your continued support of our Political Action Committee is critical to protecting and advancing our industry’s priorities in Tallahassee. Please consider a contribution today as every dollar makes a difference.
Thank you for staying engaged. We’ll have another update for you before session begins in January!
Andres Malave | Director, Government Relations
Jones Walker LLP
D: 850.214.5145
amalave@joneswalker.com