Could Property Taxes in Florida Really Disappear? What Homeowners Need to Know Now

by Melissa Carbonell

Could Florida property taxes really be on the way out — or at least dramatically reduced?
Short answer: major changes are being discussed, and if even a few of these proposals move forward, they could reshape what you pay to own a home in Florida.

Florida is currently debating what may be the most significant property tax overhaul the state has ever seen. Some see it as long-overdue relief. Others warn it could create budget chaos. Either way, homeowners — especially in high-cost areas like Fort Lauderdale — should understand what’s on the table.

Below is a clear breakdown of what’s being proposed, how it could affect you, and why it matters if you plan to sell a home, buy, or stay put.

Why Property Taxes Are Such a Big Deal in Florida

Florida doesn’t have a state income tax. That makes property taxes one of the main ways cities, counties, and local services get funded.

For homeowners, that also means:

Rising home values often = rising tax bills
Insurance costs are already high
Fixed-income owners feel squeezed the most

That pressure is exactly why lawmakers are exploring bold changes.

1. Eliminating Non-School Property Taxes on Homesteads

One proposal would wipe out all non-school property taxes on homesteaded homes

That means:

You’d still pay school-related taxes
But city, county, and other local portions could disappear
Billions in tax revenue would vanish immediately

Why it matters:
For Fort Lauderdale homeowners, this could significantly lower annual ownership costs — but it would also force local governments to rethink how services are funded.

2. A Slow-Motion Phase-Out Over 10 Years

Another idea takes a softer approach:

Reduce non-school property taxes gradually
Spread the cuts over 10 years until they disappear

Why this matters:
This avoids shock to city budgets while still giving homeowners long-term relief. It’s the “boil the frog slowly” option — less drama, more predictability.

3. Full Property Tax Breaks for Homeowners 65 and Older

Florida is also considering eliminating non-school homestead taxes entirely for residents 65+

Why this matters:
South Florida has a huge retiree population. For long-time Fort Lauderdale homeowners, this could:

Make staying in place more affordable
Reduce forced downsizing
Change selling patterns for older sellers

4. A New 25% Property Tax Exemption

Another proposal introduces a 25% exemption off assessed home value for non-school taxes

Example:

$500,000 assessed value
$125,000 removed from taxation
Immediate reduction in tax liability

Why it matters:
This helps homeowners at all price points — especially those who don’t qualify for age-based exemptions.

5. A $100,000 Insurance-Tied Exemption

Insurance costs are crushing Florida homeowners. One proposal offers:

A $100,000 property tax exemption
Only if you carry full property insurance

Why this matters:
This directly acknowledges the insurance crisis. It rewards insured homeowners and offsets soaring premiums — especially relevant in coastal cities like Fort Lauderdale.

6. Unlimited Save Our Homes Portability

Currently, Florida’s Save Our Homes (SOH) benefit is capped when you move. A proposed change would:

Let you transfer your entire SOH benefit
Even if your new home is cheaper

Why this matters:
This is huge for mobility.

Downsizing becomes easier
Moving within Florida becomes less punishing
Sellers may be more willing to list

From a real estate standpoint, this could increase inventory — something Fort Lauderdale badly needs.

7. Slower Growth in Property Assessments

Another proposal limits assessment increases to:

3% total over three years
Instead of 3% every single year

Why this matters:
This helps homeowners plan and protects against sudden spikes after market surges.

8. Making Tax Increases Much Harder for Cities

Under this proposal:

Cities would need a two-thirds vote to raise millage rates
Tax hikes become extremely difficult

Why this matters:
This limits how quickly local governments can offset lost revenue — which could affect services, infrastructure, and development decisions.

What This Means for Fort Lauderdale Homeowners

If even a few of these ideas pass:

Owning a home could become more affordable
Long-term owners may stay put longer
Buyers may factor lower future taxes into purchase decisions
Sellers could see increased demand, especially from retirees and out-of-state buyers

From a market perspective, tax policy directly affects pricing, demand, and timing when you sell a home.

Should You Sell Now or Wait?

There’s no universal answer. But this is where local expertise matters.

If you’re thinking about selling a home in Fort Lauderdale, an experienced agent like Melissa Carbonell can help you:

Understand how tax changes may impact buyer behavior
Price correctly in a shifting environment
Time your sale strategically, not emotionally

Tax policy doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It interacts with interest rates, insurance costs, inventory, and buyer psychology.

Final Thoughts

Florida is openly debating the future of property taxes — and the outcome could reshape homeownership statewide.

Some call it relief. Others call it chaos.
The truth is probably somewhere in between.

If you own a home, plan to sell, or are thinking about buying in Fort Lauderdale, staying informed is no longer optional.

Thinking About Selling or Buying in Fort Lauderdale?

If you want to understand how these potential tax changes could affect your home’s value, your timeline, or your next move, connect with Melissa Carbonell for a personalized, no-pressure conversation about your options in today’s market.