Florida’s Property Tax Shake-Up: Big Ideas, Big Uncertainty as Session Nears Finale
A massive property tax overhaul is barreling through Tallahassee, and depending on who you ask, it’s either a historic breakthrough or a dramatic risk to Florida’s financial stability. As lawmakers enter the final stretch of the legislative session, the debate over how far to go — and how fast — has become one of the most closely watched political battles of the year.
The Florida House recently approved what some are calling the boldest property tax proposal in state history. But with the Senate signaling hesitation and Gov. Ron DeSantis floating his own ideas, the path forward is anything but clear.
The House’s Big Swing: Eliminating Most Property Taxes on Primary Homes
The House plan aims to eliminate all non-school property taxes for Floridians’ primary residences, pending voter approval on the 2026 ballot. Speaker Danny Perez admitted the road ahead may be rocky:
“What happens in the days ahead will decide if we will be here another three weeks or another three months,” he said during a pre-vote speech.
The effort was guided by Rep. Toby Overdorf, who acknowledged the pressure of the ticking legislative clock:
“So, we still have three weeks technically left in session, and we’ll see what happens with our partners across the rotunda.”
Senate President Ben Albritton made it clear the upper chamber isn’t ready to rubber-stamp the House’s plan. Instead, he says the Senate is working with the governor to craft a version with wider support.
“At the end of the day, what we’re looking for… is something to build consensus around,” Albritton noted.
Gov. DeSantis has publicly suggested going even further by eliminating homestead taxes entirely, though details are still sparse. In a CNBC appearance, he reaffirmed his push to get something on the 2026 ballot requiring 60% voter approval.
Democrats Sound the Alarm
Opposition has come loudest from Democrats who argue the proposals — especially the House version — could gut local budgets and force municipalities to rely more heavily on state funding.
House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell warned the move could create “welfare counties” unable to support themselves. Senate Minority Leader Lori Berman echoed the concern, saying Democrats have seen “no concrete alternative” and that she opposes the House plan outright.
The Bigger Picture: A Legislature Under Pressure
Property taxes aren’t the only item on lawmakers’ plates. The session has been packed with debates over artificial intelligence rules, firearm legislation, rural infrastructure, and the looming state budget.
So far, only seven bills have made it to the governor’s desk — a sign of how much work remains and how tightly packed the final weeks will be.
Why This Matters for Florida’s Real Estate Professionals
If non-school property taxes on primary residences disappear, the ripple effects would be enormous. Home values, buyer demand, local service funding, insurance markets — they all shift. Whether this ends in major tax relief or a long-term restructuring of Florida’s revenue system, real estate professionals must stay ahead of the curve.
At Cameron Academy, we keep Florida agents, brokers, appraisers, and mortgage professionals prepared for every shift in the market and every policy pivot that affects property ownership. Legislative moments like this are exactly why staying educated and license-ready matters.
Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!
After nearly 20 years under uniquely harsh lending rules, Florida may finally see its condo market freed from a 25% down payment requirement imposed only on the state. Industry leaders say Fannie Mae could announce changes as early as December—potentially restoring the standard 10% down payment used everywhere else in the country. Experts believe the shift would boost maintenance funding, improve affordability, and stabilize Florida’s condo market after years of strain.
Phoenix’s commercial real estate market is shaking off years of uncertainty as broker optimism hits its highest level since interest rates began climbing. The latest ASU Commercial Broker Sentiment Index soared to 62.7, signaling strong confidence across multifamily, retail, office, and capital markets. With population growth accelerating, interest rates easing, and AI boosting industry efficiency, Phoenix is positioning itself for a powerful run into 2026—offering meaningful opportunities for both new and seasoned real estate professionals.
Michigan’s House Rules Committee heard testimony on a proposal that would let licensed professionals complete all required continuing education online. Supporters say the change would modernize outdated rules, reduce costs, and improve access for rural and busy workers. The state licensing department backs the measure, and lawmakers noted it could reshape CE options across industries from real estate to insurance and healthcare.
Florida homeowners are now paying an average of $5,838 per year for insurance — nearly $3,000 above the national average — making it one of the most expensive states in the country. As premiums continue to triple for some residents, many are being forced into tough decisions, from delaying home improvements to dropping coverage altogether. With more than 40% of claims closed with no payment and lawmakers pushing for aggressive reforms, the crisis is reshaping Florida’s housing market and placing growing pressure on real estate, mortgage, and insurance professionals statewide.
Griffin Funding has elevated John Jones to Senior Vice President of Growth and EOS Integrator, marking a major step in the company’s long-term expansion strategy. Already a key operational leader since April 2025, Jones will now drive performance optimization, market expansion, and leadership development as the lender pursues an ambitious goal of reaching $3 billion in annual non-QM loan volume by 2030. His promotion underscores Griffin Funding’s commitment to scaling strategically while strengthening its position in the fast-growing non-QM space.
Despite recent Federal Reserve rate cuts, commercial real estate remains frozen. Long‑term Treasury yields continue to climb, keeping borrowing costs high and preventing the relief investors expected. With nearly $1 trillion in commercial loans coming due, refinancing at today’s elevated rates is squeezing owners, slowing transactions, and creating a widening gap between buyers and sellers. For patient, well‑capitalized investors, this period of recalibration may offer some of the strongest opportunities in years.
