Fort Myers neighbors question impact of property tax changes

FORT MYERS, Fla—The Florida House has passed a proposed constitutional amendment that could eliminate homestead property taxes for millions of homeowners, setting up a potential statewide vote in November 2026.

Lawmakers voted this week to advance the measure, which would remove all non-school property taxes on homesteaded properties beginning January 1, 2027, if at least 60 percent of voters approve it.

Supporters say the proposal would provide significant tax relief.

“This may well be the most aggressive legislation ever passed by a legislative chamber on property taxes in the history of the United States,” House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, said.

Republican lawmakers argue the measure would give voters the opportunity to decide whether they want to lower their property tax burden. Rep. Toby Overdorf, R-Palm City, described it as a way to return money to residents and give them the choice at the ballot box.

“There are opportunities that we have to be able to lower overall tax rates, to bring money back to our constituents and to give them the choice,” Overdorf said. “That is ultimately what we are doing today. We are giving our voters the choice.”

But Democrats warn that eliminating billions in local property tax revenue could shift costs elsewhere.

“There is certainly going to be a tax shift,” said Rep. Gallop Franklin, D-Tallahassee. “What will those tax shifts look like?”

Other Democrats have raised concerns that reducing the tax base could lead to higher fees, increased sales taxes, or a heavier burden on renters and non-homesteaded properties.

“You cannot shrink the tax base and expect services to stay the same,” said Rep. Michele Rayner, D-St. Petersburg. “That’s just not how any of this works. When revenue declines, the obligations are going to remain the same.”

The proposal includes language intended to prevent local governments from reducing funding for law enforcement, firefighters, and other first responders below current budgeted levels. However, critics argue that other services, including roads, parks, and infrastructure, could still be affected if revenue declines.

In Southwest Florida, longtime Fort Myers homeowner Mike Norman says the idea of eliminating property taxes sounds appealing at first, but only if there’s a clear plan in place.

“It sounds good,” Norman said. “But then that money that was earmarked... where does that get generated from? Where’s that going to be passed on?”

Norman has lived in Fort Myers for nearly three decades and says while property taxes have increased over time, they have risen gradually under Florida’s homestead protections. He worries about what could happen if revenue disappears without a replacement strategy in place.

“Somebody’s got to pay for those services,” he said. “They just don’t automatically happen.”

He also expressed concern about potential impacts to local parks and conservation lands.

“We have a lot of land that needs to be protected,” Norman said. “There are a lot of public lands that people like to recreate on, with the state parks and the county parks. Those would then be affected, I would think.”

Local governments in Southwest Florida say they are still reviewing the proposal and what it could mean for their budgets. Lee County referred inquiries to the Florida Association of Counties. Collier County said it has not yet completed its review of the measure.

The Florida Senate has not released its version of a property tax proposal, and lawmakers have just weeks remaining in the current legislative session. 

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has indicated he is working with members of the Senate on a property tax plan, suggesting it is more important to “do it right than do it quick.”

If both chambers agree on a proposal, the question would go before voters in November 2026, where it would require 60 percent approval to pass.

For homeowners like Norman, that vote will likely come down to one key question: What replaces the revenue if property taxes disappear?

“It’d be nice to know the state has a plan in place before they bring legislation forward for a vote,” he said.