Did Florida eliminate property taxes? No, not yet. On February 19, 2026, the Florida House passed HJR 203 by a vote of 80-30, proposing to place a constitutional amendment on the November 2026 ballot that would eliminate non-school property taxes on homesteaded properties. The Senate must still pass it by March 13, 2026, and voters must approve it by 60% before any changes take effect in 2027. School taxes would remain. Investment properties and rentals are not affected.
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If you’ve been scrolling through the news this week, you’ve probably seen some version of this headline: “Florida House Votes to Eliminate Property Taxes.” And if you own a home in Davie, or you’re in the process of buying one, your first reaction was probably either excitement or confusion. Maybe both.
Let’s slow down, cut through the noise, and talk about what actually happened in Tallahassee, what it means for the Florida housing market, and what it specifically means for homeowners right here in Davie and Western Broward County.
What the Florida House Actually Voted On
The Florida House of Representatives passed HJR 203, a joint resolution, on February 19, 2026, by a vote of 80 to 30. The vote was completely along party lines, with every Republican voting in favor and every Democrat opposing it.
Here’s the critical thing to understand: this is not a law. Nothing has been eliminated.
What the House did was pass a proposal to place a constitutional amendment on the November 2026 general election ballot that would ask Florida voters to approve the change. If voters approve it by a 60% majority, the change would take effect in the 2027 tax year.
According to Representative Monique Miller (R-Palm Bay), who sponsored the bill: “This bill proposes an amendment to the Florida Constitution that gradually increases the homestead exemption from all ad valorem taxes—except school district levies, by $100,000 each year for ten years, beginning in 2027.”
Timeline: What Has to Happen Before Any Tax Relief
| Step | Status | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| House passes HJR 203 | ✅ Complete (Feb 19, 2026) | — |
| Senate passes resolution (3/5 majority required) | ❌ Pending | March 13, 2026 |
| Voters approve amendment (60% required) | ❌ Pending | November 2026 |
| Implementation begins | ❌ Pending | January 1, 2027 |
That’s three separate hurdles that all have to clear before a single dollar of property tax relief reaches any homeowner. Right now, only step one is partially complete, and only in one chamber.
What Would Actually Change (And What Wouldn’t)
If this amendment were to ultimately pass, it would eliminate non-school property taxes on homesteaded properties, meaning your primary residence. Here’s the breakdown:
What WOULD Be Eliminated:
- County government taxes
- Municipal (city/town) taxes
- Water management district taxes
- Special district taxes (fire, drainage, etc.)
What Would REMAIN:
- School district taxes (approximately 39-45% of your current bill)
- All taxes on investment properties
- All taxes on rental properties
- All taxes on commercial real estate
- All taxes on second homes/vacation properties
The Fiscal Impact
According to the Florida House staff analysis, approval of the amendment would have:
- Negative cash impact: $4.8 billion in the first year
- Negative recurring impact: $14.7 billion annually on local non-school property tax revenues
The Revenue Estimating Conference estimates HJR 203 would cost local governments $13.3 billion annually once fully implemented.
The bill includes a provision requiring local governments to maintain current public safety spending levels for law enforcement and firefighters, but that mandate doesn’t come with any state funding to replace the lost revenue. Cities and counties would have to make up the difference through service cuts, increased fees, or alternative taxes.
What This Means for Davie Homeowners: Real Numbers
Let me give you specific numbers for Davie, because that’s what actually matters if you live here.
Current Davie Millage Rates (2025)
According to the Broward County Property Appraiser, the total millage rate for Davie properties is:
| Millage Code | 2025 Total Millage Rate |
|---|---|
| Davie (2412) | 19.8940 mills |
| Davie (2413) | 18.7354 mills |
For comparison, here’s how Davie stacks up against neighboring cities:
| Municipality | 2025 Millage Rate |
|---|---|
| Davie | 18.73 – 19.89 |
| Weston | 16.28 – 17.44 |
| Cooper City | 18.78 |
| Plantation | 20.07 |
| Pembroke Pines | 18.89 |
| Southwest Ranches | 16.84 |
What This Means in Real Dollars
The Town of Davie’s own millage rate is 5.8118 mills (5.6250 operating + 0.1868 debt service), according to the Town of Davie Budget Office.
Example: $650,000 Homesteaded Property in Davie
Let’s break down what a typical Davie homeowner with a $650,000 home (close to the January 2026 median sale price of $657,500) currently pays:
| Tax Component | Approximate Annual Cost | Would Be Eliminated? |
|---|---|---|
| School District | ~$3,900 – $4,200 | ❌ No |
| Broward County | ~$2,100 – $2,400 | ✅ Yes |
| Town of Davie | ~$1,800 – $2,000 | ✅ Yes |
| Special Districts (Fire, Water Mgmt, etc.) | ~$800 – $1,200 | ✅ Yes |
| Total Current Bill | ~$8,600 – $9,800 | — |
| Potential Savings (if passed) | ~$4,700 – $5,600/year | — |
That’s roughly $390-$465 per month in potential savings. If the amendment passes the Senate, If voters approve it, and If it’s implemented as written.
Understanding Your Davie Property Tax Bill
Your property tax bill in Davie isn’t just one tax, it’s a combination of levies from multiple taxing authorities. Understanding this helps you see exactly what HJR 203 would (and wouldn’t) change.
How Property Taxes Work in Florida
Property taxes are calculated using this formula:
Taxable Value × Millage Rate = Tax Due
One mill equals $1 for every $1,000 of taxable property value. So if your taxable value is $500,000 and your total millage rate is 19.0 mills, your tax bill would be approximately $9,500.
Key Exemptions That Reduce Your Bill
If you haven’t already, make sure you’re taking advantage of these exemptions:
- Homestead Exemption: Reduces taxable value by up to $50,000 on your primary residence
- Save Our Homes Cap: Limits annual assessment increases to 3% or CPI (whichever is lower)
- Senior Exemptions: Additional exemptions for qualifying seniors 65+
- Portability: Transfer up to $500,000 of Save Our Homes benefits when you move within Florida
The March 1st deadline to file for homestead exemption has passed for 2026, but if you haven’t filed, make sure to apply before March 1, 2027 at the Broward County Property Appraiser’s website.
For a deeper dive on Davie property taxes and exemptions, read my complete guide: Understanding Davie Florida Property Taxes and the Homestead Exemption.
Why This Specific Bill Faces a Long Road
The Florida Senate is the major obstacle right now, and the legislative session ends March 13, 2026.
Senate Resistance
Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Ed Hooper has stated that the Senate will introduce its own version of property tax reform, but has been clear it won’t be as sweeping as the House proposal. Senate President Ben Albritton said his chamber is still evaluating the broader implications and wants to “get it right.”
Governor DeSantis’s Position
Even Governor DeSantis, who has been the loudest voice calling for property tax elimination for over a year, declined to fully endorse the House bill. On the morning of the vote, he posted on X:
“Regarding a property tax proposal for the 2026 ballot: we’ve been working with members of the Senate who have been great partners. Given that it can’t be voted on by the people before November, it’s better to do it right than do it quick!”
He notably did not outline his own specific plan.
Local Opposition
Representative Robin Bartleman, a Democrat from Weston, right in our backyard in Western Broward, put it plainly on the House floor: “You’re about to bankrupt cities and counties across the state.”
The Florida Policy Institute noted: “Our state already has the most upside-down tax code in the nation, according to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, and so the wealthiest Floridians pay the least in state and local taxes as a share of household income.”
What this means is that the House and Senate are misaligned, the clock is running out on this legislative session, and the bill that passed the House on February 19th is unlikely to reach voters in its current form. A negotiated compromise between the two chambers is still possible, but the window is narrow.
What This Means If You’re Buying a Home in Davie Right Now
Here’s my honest take as a native Davie real estate agent: this is not a reason to wait.
The timeline for any of this to take effect is at minimum two years away, and that’s assuming everything breaks in favor of the proposal. The factors that make Davie an exceptional place to buy a home right now have nothing to do with what’s happening in Tallahassee:
- A-rated schools like Forest Ridge Elementary, Fox Trail Elementary, and Western High School
- Equestrian culture and large lots you can’t find elsewhere in Broward
- Central location with access to I-595, I-75, and Florida’s Turnpike
- Relative value compared to Miami-Dade’s coastal markets
- Strong appreciation — Broward single-family prices have risen 118.3% over the past 10 years
If you’re waiting for a property tax break before pulling the trigger, you may be waiting a long time, and the market isn’t going to sit still in the meantime.
According to my January 2026 market analysis, Davie homes are selling in a median of just 26 days, 45% faster than the Broward County average. Read the full breakdown: Davie Real Estate Market Report: January 2026 vs. Broward County.
Ready to start your Davie home search? Text me at 954-235-5783 and let’s talk about what’s available in your price range right now.
What This Means If You’re Selling a Home in Davie
If you’re a Davie homeowner thinking about listing, this news is actually a tailwind for your story.
The broader national conversation about Florida property taxes, even in its early, uncertain form, is reinforcing what buyers already believe: Florida is a more tax-friendly place to live than most of the country. That narrative attracts out-of-state buyers, particularly from the Northeast and Midwest, who are increasingly looking at South Florida as a long-term relocation destination.
You don’t need to promise buyers that property taxes are going away. You just need to position your home in a market where:
- The direction of tax policy is favorable to ownership
- There’s no state income tax
- Homestead exemptions and Save Our Homes protections already provide meaningful savings
- Appreciation has been strong and consistent
That’s genuinely true, and it’s a compelling story for relocating buyers.
For more on how Davie compares to other options buyers might be considering, check out my comparison guides:
FAQ: Florida Property Tax Elimination
Did Florida eliminate property taxes?
No. The Florida House passed a proposal (HJR 203) on February 19, 2026, but it is not law. It must pass the Florida Senate by March 13, 2026, then be approved by 60% of voters in November 2026 before any changes take effect in January 2027.
Would this affect Davie homeowners?
If passed, it would eliminate non-school property taxes on homesteaded (primary residence) properties in Davie. For a typical $650,000 home, this could mean savings of $4,700-$5,600 per year. Investment properties, rentals, and second homes would not be affected.
What taxes would Davie homeowners still pay?
School district taxes would remain, approximately 39-45% of your current property tax bill. For a $650,000 home, that’s roughly $3,900-$4,200 annually.
When would property tax elimination take effect?
The earliest possible implementation would be January 1, 2027, assuming the Senate passes it by March 13, 2026, AND voters approve it by 60% in November 2026.
How much could I save on property taxes in Davie?
Based on the current Davie millage rate of 18.73-19.89 mills and a $650,000 homesteaded property, the non-school portion (which would be eliminated) equals approximately $4,700-$5,600 per year, or $390-$465 per month.
Should I wait to buy a home until this passes?
No. The timeline is uncertain (minimum 2 years away if everything goes perfectly), and Davie’s value proposition — schools, space, lifestyle, appreciation, exists independent of tax policy. Homes in Davie are selling in a median of 26 days. Waiting could cost you more in appreciation than you’d save in taxes.
What is HJR 203?
HJR 203 is a joint resolution sponsored by Representative Monique Miller (R-Palm Bay) that proposes a constitutional amendment to gradually increase the homestead exemption from non-school property taxes by $100,000 per year for ten years, beginning in 2027. By 2037, all homestead property would be exempt from non-school property taxes.
What happens to local services if property taxes are eliminated?
The bill requires local governments to maintain current funding levels for law enforcement and firefighters, but provides no state funding to replace the lost revenue. Local governments would need to cut other services, increase fees, or find alternative revenue sources. State economists estimate the annual impact at $13.3-$14.7 billion statewide.
I’ll Keep You Posted
This story is still developing. The Senate has until March 13th to act, and whatever they propose will need to be reconciled with the House version before anything moves forward. I’ll be following this closely and posting updates here as the situation evolves.
If you have questions about how any of this affects your specific situation, whether you’re buying, selling, or just trying to understand what your property tax bill might look like in 2027 and beyond, I’m happy to talk it through.
📱 Text me at 954-235-5783 — Quick questions answered fast
📅 Schedule a Discovery Call — 30-minute deep dive on your goals
📧 Email me — I respond within 24 hours
📺 YouTube: @livingindavieflorida — Weekly tours, market updates, and news about Living in Davie.
🏡 livingindavieflorida.com — More guides and resources
Anthony Spitaleri is a native Davie real estate agent with EXP Realty, specializing in single-family homes in Western Broward County. His 2026 mission is to help 26 families find their perfect home in the Davie community.
Sources
All information in this article comes from the following sources:
- HJR 203 Bill Text and Staff Analysis: Florida House of Representatives
- House Staff Analysis (Fiscal Impact): Florida Senate Bill Analysis PDF
- February 19, 2026 Vote Coverage: Florida Phoenix
- Broward County Millage Rates: Broward County Property Appraiser
- Town of Davie Millage Rate: Town of Davie FAQ
- Town of Davie Budget Information: Town of Davie Budget Page
- Policy Analysis: Florida Policy Institute
- Additional Coverage: FOX 35 Orlando, WLRN
Internal Links in This Article:
- Understanding Davie Florida Property Taxes and the Homestead Exemption
- Davie Real Estate Market Report: January 2026 vs. Broward County
- Davie vs. Plantation: Which Suburb is Right for You?
- Pros and Cons of Living in Davie, Florida
External Links in This Article:
- Florida House HJR 203 Bill Page
- Broward County Property Appraiser – Millage Rates
- Broward County Property Appraiser – Homestead Exemption
- Florida Phoenix Coverage
- Florida Policy Institute Analysis
- Town of Davie Official Website
Ready to Find Your Home in Davie?
I help families find the right home at the right price in Davie, FL. Book a free 20-minute discovery call and let’s talk about your move.
Anthony Spitaleri • EXP Realty • 954-235-5783
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