© 2024 All Rights reserved WUSF
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

House Votes To Put New Property Tax Break On Ballot

Hand dropping ballot into a box.
Drew McKissick
/
Flickr

Florida homeowners may get an additional $25,000 homestead exemption if voters go along with the proposal.

The Florida House on Wednesday voted 81-35 to put a constitutional amendment on the 2018 ballot that would allow homeowners to shield an additional $25,000 of the value of their home from most property taxes. The additional exemption would not apply to taxes charged by school districts.

If sixty percent of voters say yes the amendment would take effect in 2019.

The proposed amendment is a priority for House Speaker Richard Corcoran. The proposal heads to the Florida Senate next.

A legislative analysis estimates the amendment would save homeowners nearly $753 million a year.

Currently homeowners in Florida have a homestead exemption that shields $50,000 of the value of their home from most property taxes.

You Count on Us, We Count on You: Donate to WUSF to support free, accessible journalism for yourself and the community.