Legislative Update: Property tax reform discussion begins
September 25, 2025
By FICPA Governmental Affairs
This week, the House Select Committee on Property Taxes reconvened for the first time since May, signaling the start of its work for the 2026 Legislative Session. Lawmakers began laying the groundwork for what is expected to be a central focus next year: property taxes in Florida. As the FICPA has shared, both the Florida Legislature and Gov. DeSantis have expressed strong interest in property tax reform. Throughout the summer, legislators met within their respected home districts with counties and local municipalities to discuss budgets and taxes levied on homestead property.
On Monday, the committee heard from the Department of Revenue (DOR) and the Legislature’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research (EDR). DOR Executive Director Dr. Jim Zingale outlined property tax and education funding, noting that schools statewide receive about half their funding from property taxes, though the share ranges from 8% in Union County to more than 80% in Collier and Sarasota counties.
EDR Coordinator Amy Baker reviewed homestead exemptions and Save Our Homes, the constitutional cap on annual assessed value increases. About 4.65 million homesteads use this cap, with the greatest benefit concentrated in South Florida. Lawmakers also noted that these benefits can significantly shrink local government revenues, especially in fiscally constrained counties.
Lizette Kelly of DOR reviewed the Truth in Millage Act and ad valorem values. Legislators questioned whether millage rollbacks are effective, noting that increases layered on rising property values don’t feel like true rollbacks.
The committee packet for Monday’s presentation can be found here, and the recording can be found here.
On Tuesday, the committee heard from city and county officials, along with the Florida League of Cities. Local leaders pointed to rising costs for mandates, public safety and infrastructure, even as many counties have held or lowered millage rates. Fiscally constrained counties remain most reliant on higher rates. Co-Chair Toby Overdorf noted that out of 411 municipalities and 67 counties, roughly three counties saw ad valorem taxes decline.
The committee concluded with a presentation on the Florida DOGE from Leda Kelly, Director of Policy and Budget at the Executive Office of the Governor. The presentation outlined DOGE’s mission to review waste, fraud and abuse. Kelly also reviewed their audit processes and coordination with other state agencies.
Members closed by reporting on district concerns, including estate taxes, fiscally constrained county budgets and the fiscal impact of potential property tax reductions or repeals.
The committee packet for Tuesday’s presentation can be found here, and the recording can be found here.
Overall, the Legislature continues its deep examination of property taxes, signaling that the issue will remain front and center in the months ahead. The FICPA will continue to monitor the committee’s work and weigh in on policy proposals, ensuring the voice of the CPA profession is heard throughout the process.
FICPA Hosts Brevard Chapter Legislative Update
On Tuesday, Chief External Affairs Officer Jason Harrell presented a Legislative Update to the FICPA's Brevard Chapter. Harrell reviewed highlights from the 2025 Session and looked ahead to the big issues that will define the 2026 Session. Harrell’s presentation went in depth on bills impacting the CPA profession last spring, with specific focus on the FICPA's priority legislation and the significant regulatory challenges the profession faced. Harrell also reviewed the state budget and tax package. As Session continues to grow closer and the Legislature continues its discussions, the FICPA is committed to keeping members informed on the developments in state government.
CPA Day at the Capitol: Reserve your spot today!
The FICPA is excited to announce that our annual CPA Day at the Capitol is scheduled for Dec. 3, 2025, and registration is now open!
Each year, the FICPA invites members to Tallahassee to join their peers and advocate for the CPA profession. Participants are grouped with key FICPA leadership or staff to hold meetings with legislators from their region, sharing firsthand the value and contributions of CPAs.
Whether it’s your first CPA Day or you’ve attended for years, you’ll have the support and resources you need to confidently advocate for the profession or simply listen and learn alongside your group.
In addition, the FICPA will host a Legislative & Advocacy 101 Boot Camp on Wednesday, Nov. 12, to brief members on the issues and prepare you for success on CPA Day.
Join the FICPA on Dec. 3 to advocate and promote the value of CPAs during one of the most impactful times for the profession. Reserve your spot and book your accommodations here.