Florida House backs near-total property tax repeal, setting up ballot showdown

The Florida House approved HJR 203 by an 80-30 vote to place a constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would nearly repeal property taxes on primary residences while preserving school funding; second homes, businesses, and renters would still be taxed, and local governments warn it could cost more than $13.3 billion annually. For the measure to take effect, the Senate must accept a single version and voters must approve it by 60%, a process that faces ongoing tensions between chambers and negotiated details, including whether rural-need provisions are included. Gov. DeSantis supports broad tax relief but has urged a careful, potentially slower rollout.