07/19/2026
There seems to be a lot of confusion about Florida property taxes, so I wanted to clear up a few things.
If the proposed changes pass this November, buying a home now could put you in position to qualify for the new homestead exemption beginning in 2027. The proposal would increase the exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and up to $250,000 in 2028. If you purchase after January 1, you could be waiting several years before you qualify for those increased exemption amounts.
It is also important to understand that these exemptions only apply to the Ad Valorem portion of your property taxes. They do not eliminate Non Ad Valorem assessments such as fire, solid waste, water, or other special assessments. School taxes are also treated differently, so it is important to know exactly how the proposal would affect your situation.
There are also additional considerations for some homeowners who are age 65 or older.
The biggest takeaway is this. If this proposal passes, homeowners using the property as their primary residence could see significant savings over time. If homeownership has been on your mind, now is a great time to start planning instead of waiting.
Keeping the Real in Real Estate means making sure you have the facts before you make one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. If you have questions about buying a home or how homestead exemptions work, give me a call. I am always happy to help.