Fort Myers residents weigh in on proposed property tax changes

Lawmakers are considering a major property tax change that could be on the ballot in 2026. The proposed amendment, HJR 209, would allow homeowners to exempt $200,000 of their homestead property's assessed value from non-school property taxes, provided they have property insurance.

Residents of Fort Myers are expressing support for this potential tax relief. Christian Fautz, a Fort Myers resident, explained how he would use the savings.

"I would utilize that savings more as kind of a cushion to save...if the water heater breaks in the future, or I need some major improvement on my house," said Fautz.

Fautz has lived in his neighborhood for five years and believes the proposal, known as HJR 209, would reduce his taxes and allow him to invest more in his home.

"It would help, you know, absorb some of that additional increases I've been seeing as a homeowner on my insurance premiums," said Fautz.

The proposed exemption requires full multiperil insurance coverage. Kathy, another Fort Myers resident, highlighted the significance of the proposal.

"That'd be a huge break. The flood and windstorm coverages have definitely gone up and our homeowners doesn't even insure for those anymore," said Kathy.

The House Ways and Means Committee added an amendment to protect firefighters, first responders, and law enforcement from budget cuts. Critics, including the Florida League of Cities, argue that this could compromise essential services due to reduced property tax funding.

"You need to see where the money's coming from to fund the other services, like parks and so forth. Maybe there's other areas or other revenue generating places that they can pull a from," said Fautz.

The city of Fort Myers and the Fort Myers Fire Department are told WINK News,

"Like other counties/municipalities across the state, the city is monitoring next steps."  

The amendment must still clear committee and would need 60% approval from voters on the November 2026 ballot.

"I think every little bit helps. And with so many people leaving Florida, I think a measure like that could help because one reason people are leaving is because of the insurance," said Kathy.

WINK News reached out to multiple counties about how this measure can impact their budget.

Charlotte County's Communication Director Brian Gleason said, "The measure would cut county property taxes by more than $45 million per year."