Property taxes are back in the spotlight here in Florida. This week, CFO Blaise Ingoglia announced the state’s plan to explore cutting—maybe even eliminating—property taxes altogether, with Governor Ron DeSantis backing the push for a possible constitutional amendment in 2026.
As someone who’s worked in Florida real estate for over 20 years, I want to break this down and share what it could mean for homeowners, investors, and the market as a whole.
Why Property Taxes Are Such a Big Deal
Property taxes aren’t just another bill. They’re one of the biggest ongoing costs of owning a home—and they stick around even after you’ve paid off your mortgage.
For many homeowners, that can feel like a never-ending burden. And for investors deciding where to put their money, property taxes are often the tipping point between buying here in Florida or looking elsewhere.
What’s Behind the Push
Bigger local budgets: Since COVID, local government budgets in Florida have jumped 60%–120%, thanks to federal relief money and a growing population.
State audits: The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is combing through county spending to highlight waste and make the case for tax cuts.
Political momentum: Leaders want voters to consider a constitutional amendment in 2026 to cap—or possibly get rid of—property taxes altogether.
Why This Could Be a Big Deal
More Affordable Homeownership
Lower ongoing costs could help first-time buyers get into the market and make it easier for families who need to upsize their home.Helping Floridians Build Wealth
Lower property taxes could give more Floridians the chance to invest and start building wealth through real estate.New Construction Advantage
Florida’s already booming with new builds, and lower property taxes could push demand even higher. At FL Investment Realty, we sweeten the deal with a 10% rebate on all new construction purchases.Impact on Affordable Housing
If property owners’ costs go down, it could ease some pressure on rents—helping with Florida’s ongoing affordable housing crisis.Stronger Local Economy
More homeowners and investors bring more spending power to our local businesses, fueling growth across the state.
Beyond Property Taxes
It’s also worth noting that Florida has already built other tax relief into the 2025–2026 budget, including $2 billion in savings through the repeal of the business rent tax and expanded sales tax holidays for families. From back-to-school shopping to disaster prep, these measures show the state’s broader push to ease costs for both residents and businesses.
The Big Challenge
Property taxes currently fund our schools, first responders, and our local infrastructure. If we cut out that revenue, we’ll need to find another way to replace it or make some major cutbacks. Until there’s a clear plan, it’ll be a challenge to convince voters to completely eliminate property taxes.
Final Thoughts
Will Florida actually eliminate property taxes? That remains to be seen. But even if they don’t disappear entirely, serious relief measures could be on the way.
Either way, this discussion is a sign of major shifts ahead for Florida real estate. And if it happens, it could make our state one of the most affordable and desirable places to own property in the U.S.
At FL Investment Realty, we’ll be keeping a close eye on these developments and making sure our clients stay ahead of the curve.
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