🏠 Florida Property Tax Reform 2025: What Homeowners and Buyers Need to Know
- dennis480
- Oct 20
- 3 min read
Presented by Sun National Title Company – Fort Myers, Florida
Florida’s real estate market is thriving — but for many homeowners, rising property values have led to higher tax bills. That’s why the Florida Legislature is now focused on major property tax reform that could change how taxes are assessed and capped across the state.
At Sun National Title Company, serving Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and all of Lee County, we believe understanding these potential reforms is key to making informed real estate decisions — whether you’re buying, selling, or refinancing your Florida home.
🏛️ Florida Property Tax Reform Proposals for 2025
In 2025, lawmakers introduced a series of House Joint Resolutions (HJRs) aimed at cutting or restructuring non-school property taxes for homestead properties. These proposals could reshape Florida’s property tax system for years to come:
HJR 201 – Eliminate non-school homestead property taxes. Would remove all non-school-related property taxes for homesteaded homes, providing sweeping relief for Florida residents.
HJR 203 – Phase out non-school homestead property taxes over 10 years. Gradually reduces property taxes, making the change easier for local governments to absorb.
HJR 205 – Exempt homeowners aged 65+ from non-school homestead property taxes. Aimed at helping seniors remain in their homes without the burden of rising taxes.
HJR 207 – Create a 25% non-school property tax homestead exemption. Would allow homeowners to deduct 25% of their assessed home value from non-school property taxes.
HJR 209 – Add a $100,000 non-school homestead exemption for insured properties. Rewards homeowners who maintain valid property insurance coverage — a critical issue in Florida’s challenging insurance market.
HJR 211 – Eliminate the cap on portability. Under Florida’s Save Our Homes benefit, homeowners can transfer tax savings to a new property. This proposal removes the existing $500,000 cap, allowing full transfer of savings.
HJR 213 – Slow the rate of taxable value increases.Limits assessed value increases for homestead properties to 3% every three years (instead of annually), and for non-homestead properties to 15% every three years (instead of 10% each year).
Together, these measures represent one of the most significant overhauls of Florida property tax law in decades.
📊 How Florida Property Tax Reform Affects Lee County Homeowners
If you own or plan to buy a home in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, or Estero, these changes could have real financial impact:
Lower property tax bills: Reduced or capped assessments mean more predictable annual taxes.
Relief for seniors: Homeowners aged 65+ could see major exemptions.
Insurance incentives: Tax benefits for insured homes could help stabilize Florida’s insurance market.
Market confidence: Predictable taxes attract long-term buyers and stabilize home values across Southwest Florida.
💡 What Buyers, Sellers, and Investors Should Watch
1. Timing is everything These reforms are still proposals. If approved by lawmakers, they’ll appear on the 2026 Florida ballot, requiring 60% voter approval to become law.
2. Understand “non-school” property taxes These are taxes that fund city and county services — not public schools. The proposals target these specific taxes for reform or elimination.
3. Expect long-term ripple effects. While homeowners may benefit, local governments could adjust budgets or millage rates to make up for lost revenue, potentially shifting funding sources.
⚖️ How Sun National Title Company Helps You Navigate Property Taxes
At Sun National Title Company, we’re more than a title insurance provider — we’re your real estate resource for understanding how evolving tax policies affect your investment.
Here’s how we help:
✅ Accurate property tax prorations at every closing.
✅ Guidance on homestead exemption filing and “Save Our Homes” portability.
✅ Coordination with local tax offices in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte Counties.
✅ Up-to-date insights on Florida property tax reform and market impacts.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, snowbird, or long-time Florida homeowner, our Fort Myers team ensures your title process is smooth, compliant, and fully informed.
🌴 Florida Property Tax Relief: Looking Ahead
The Florida property tax reform bills (HJR 201–213) could make homeownership more affordable, especially for full-time residents and retirees. However, until voters approve these measures, the current property tax laws remain in effect.
Sun National Title Company will continue monitoring all legislative updates — so our clients, real estate agents, and partners always have the latest information at closing time.
📍 About Sun National Title Company
Sun National Title Company is a trusted, locally owned title insurance and escrow provider serving Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and all of Southwest Florida.We specialize in:
Residential & commercial real estate closings
Title insurance policies
1031 exchange support
Property tax and lien research
Real estate agent partnerships
If you have questions about how Florida’s 2025 property tax reform could impact your next real estate transaction, contact us today.
(239) 334-3321
Sun National Title Company – Your Fort Myers Partner in Property Settlements.
Helping Florida homeowners close with clarity, security, and peace of mind.