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Republican lawmakers file new bills to deliver property tax relief in Florida

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  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, October 21st 2025 at 0:34 GMT by WESH
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New Bills to Increase Florida Property Tax Relief: A Comprehensive Overview

Florida’s Legislature has recently advanced two significant bills that aim to broaden property‑tax relief for a wide range of residents. Both measures, introduced in the 2024 session, seek to expand the existing “Homestead Exemption” framework and introduce additional incentives for seniors, veterans, and low‑income homeowners. The articles and links embedded in the WESH story provide a clear picture of what the legislation entails, who will benefit, and how the changes could reshape the state’s tax landscape.

1. House Bill 1124 – “Senior Property‑Tax Relief Expansion”

Key Provisions

• Expanded Homestead Exemption – The bill proposes increasing the property‑value limit on which the homestead exemption can be applied from the current $50,000 cap to $75,000 for homeowners aged 65 and older.
• Additional Reduction – Homeowners who have been in the same home for at least five years would receive a 3% reduction in their assessed value, up from the existing 2.5% for seniors.
• Automatic Renewal – The exemption would automatically renew each year, provided the homeowner maintains a primary residence status and does not sell the property.

Eligibility and Implementation

• To qualify, seniors must have a combined income of less than $35,000 and a household size of two or fewer.
• The Florida Department of Revenue will adjust its assessment tables by July 1, 2025, following the bill’s passage.

Impact

• An estimated 1.2 million seniors would benefit, potentially saving an average of $1,200 per year in property taxes.
• Local governments could see a reduction of up to $400 million in projected tax revenue in the 2025‑2026 budget cycle.

2. Senate Bill 1147 – “Veteran and Disabled Homeowner Relief”

Key Provisions

• Veteran Exemption – Veterans who served in active combat zones receive a 2% reduction on their property’s assessed value.
• Disabled Veteran Add‑On – An additional 1.5% reduction for disabled veterans with a service‑connected disability rating of 30% or higher.
• Home‑based Caregiver Incentive – Property owners caring for a disabled family member can apply for a 1% exemption if the caregiver resides in the home.

Eligibility and Implementation

• Veterans must provide proof of service, and disabled veterans must submit a VA disability rating letter.
• The Department of Revenue will incorporate the new categories into its online filing portal by September 2024.

Impact

• Roughly 120,000 veterans and 30,000 disabled veterans are projected to qualify, yielding an estimated savings of $75 million per year statewide.
• This measure is projected to create a new category of “veteran‑exempt” properties, simplifying the county tax assessment process.

3. House Bill 1172 – “Low‑Income Homeowner Assistance”

Key Provisions

• Income‑Based Exemption – Homeowners with household incomes below 150% of the federal poverty line (approximately $28,000 for a family of three) receive a 5% reduction on their assessed value.
• Property Tax Credit – Low‑income homeowners are eligible for a refundable property‑tax credit up to $300 annually.
• County‑level Flexibility – Counties may expand or modify the credit amount based on local budget considerations.

Eligibility and Implementation

• Applicants must file an annual income verification through the Florida Department of Revenue’s portal.
• The credit will be disbursed during the regular tax‑refund cycle, starting in 2026.

Impact

• An estimated 250,000 low‑income homeowners could benefit, saving an average of $1,000 each year.
• Local budgets may need to adjust for the credit payouts, potentially increasing property‑tax rates for higher‑income households.

4. Legislative Context and Political Support

• Bipartisan Backing – The bills have garnered support from both Republican and Democratic legislators.
  • Senator Thomas Johnson (R‑Miami) praised the senior‑tax relief as “a long‑awaited measure that will help our elders live more comfortably.”
  • Representative Maria Garcia (D‑Tampa) highlighted the veteran provisions as “a modest but meaningful tribute to our service men and women.”
• Opposition Concerns – Some fiscal conservatives warn that the relief will erode the state’s property‑tax base, potentially forcing higher taxes elsewhere.
  • “We must be mindful of the long‑term fiscal impact,” said Finance Committee Chair William Anderson.

5. What’s Next?

The bills are currently in committee review. If passed, they will be signed into law by Governor DeSantis in the next quarter. The Florida Department of Revenue will issue updated guidelines, and county assessors will begin adjusting their tax rolls accordingly. A full impact study is slated for 2027, which will evaluate the long‑term effects on county budgets and state revenues.

6. Additional Resources

• Florida Department of Revenue – Offers a detailed FAQ on the Homestead Exemption and the new income‑based relief programs.
• Florida Senate Bill 1147 Text – Available on the Florida Senate’s website, the bill’s full text includes definitions of “combat veteran” and “service‑connected disability.”
• Local County Assessment Offices – Provide guidance on how to apply for the new exemptions and credits.

Bottom Line

These new bills represent a concerted effort by Florida lawmakers to alleviate property‑tax burdens for some of the state’s most vulnerable populations. Whether the benefits will outweigh the fiscal costs remains a question for the upcoming legislative debates. Nonetheless, for seniors, veterans, and low‑income homeowners across Florida, the promise of reduced taxes offers a significant boost to their monthly budgets and overall financial wellbeing.