Florida Lawmaker Proposes $1,000 Annual Property Tax Rebates Over Five Years

Florida lawmakers are considering a bill, House Bill 71, sponsored by Republican Rep. Jeff Holcomb, to provide certain homestead property owners with annual $1,000 property tax rebates for five years starting in 2026, totaling $5,000 per household. The rebates would apply to homeowners with homestead exemptions on properties valued between $100,000 and $450,000, potentially benefiting approximately 3.5 million residents. This proposal aims to address the significant rise in property taxes in Florida, which have increased by 45% since 2019, driven by soaring home values and demand during the pandemic. The rebates would be administered by the Florida Department of Financial Services, with coordination from the state's CFO and property appraisers to ensure eligibility. Governor Ron DeSantis has supported similar relief measures, including the idea of eliminating property taxes entirely, with plans to place a constitutional amendment on the 2026 ballot for voter consideration. While some local officials are discussing smaller rebate amounts, critics caution that property taxes fund essential public services, but supporters argue alternative revenue sources could replace them.