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SJR 2F

Save our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes

2026 Special Session F Introduced by Mack Bernard and 2 co-sponsors

SJR 2-F would cap annual non-homestead assessment increases at 5% and dramatically raise homestead exemptions (to 150k then 250k) while restricting local tax revenue to core servic

Laid on Table, refer to CS/HJR 1-F
#concurrent) #constitutionalamendments
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SJR 2F

Purpose and intent

  • SJR 2-F is a proposed constitutional amendment package titled Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes.
  • The core aim is to provide substantial property tax relief for Florida homeowners (homesteads), tighten the growth of non-homestead assessments, and require local governments to use property tax revenues for core public services.
  • If approved by voters (60% threshold) at the next general election (potentially November 2026) and implemented, the changes would take effect January 1, 2027, with ongoing provisions for inflation adjustments and potential five-year phase-ins.

Key provisions and changes

  • Article VII, Section 4 (Assessment limitations)

    • Non-homestead residential and non-residential properties: annual assessment increases would be limited to 5% (down from current 10% cap for those properties).
    • Homestead assessments: certain adjustments to the “just value” framework, including a detailed portability/transition mechanism when changing homesteads (existing Save Our Homes framework applied with new thresholds and formulas).
    • New-homestead properties: gradual changes in how new homesteads are assessed, with transitional provisions comparing just value to prior homestead values and potential reductions up to $500,000 in the first year, under specified rules.
    • Historic property and other special classifications: potential for character-or-use-based assessments for certain properties, subject to general law.
    • Expanded exclusions and adjustments for wind-resistant upgrades and certain renewable energy installations (subject to general law).

  • Article VII, Section 6 (Homestead exemptions)

    • For homestead owners (as of 2027 onward):
    • Beginning Jan 1, 2027: exemptions up to $150,000 of assessed value.
    • Beginning Jan 1, 2028: exemptions up to $250,000 of assessed value.
    • Beginning Jan 1, 2029 onward: annual inflation-adjusted adjustments if positive.
    • New residents establishing a homestead after Jan 1, 2027:
    • Beginning Jan 1, 2027: exemptions up to $50,000.
    • Inflation adjustments begin Jan 1, 2028 onward.
    • In year five of eligibility, may be exempt up to the amount available to those who had homestead as of end of 2026 (subject to law).
    • The exemptions are applicable to all levies except school levies for the basic amounts, with inflation indexing and procedures to administer the exemptions.
    • Exemptions are capped so no exemption can exceed the property’s assessable value or the proportional value of a share in a condo/stock ownership arrangement.

  • Article VII, Section 9 (Local taxes)

    • Limits on ad valorem taxes by counties, school districts, municipalities, and special districts to fund core local services.
    • Authorized uses include public safety (law enforcement, fire, EMS), education, infrastructure (roads/bridges/stormwater), natural resources (flood control), debt service for local bonds, and retirement benefits for local employees.
    • Special districts may levy reasonable taxes consistent with the above purposes; districts’ use of revenue is subject to referendum or general-law guidance.

  • Article XII (Schedule)

    • If adopted, a state trust fund would be created to provide grants to local governments to help implement the amendments.

  • Ballot language and effect

    • A ballot statement would accompany the amendments, stating the intent and effects (homestead exemptions, core-service funding, and local-revenue constraints).
    • Effective date if adopted: January 1, 2027 (subject to the 60% voter threshold).

Who would be affected

  • Homestead property owners:
    • Immediate relief through higher homestead exemption amounts (up to $150k in 2027, up to $250k in 2028 and beyond; inflation-adjusted thereafter).
    • New residents establishing a homestead would receive a smaller initial exemption and a path to catch up to the larger group over time.
  • Non-homestead residential and non-residential property owners:
    • Annual assessment increases limited to 5% (instead of 10%), reducing annual tax growth for many properties.
  • Local governments (counties, municipalities, school districts, special districts):
    • Revenue base for ad valorem taxes would be constrained by the new limits and restricted to core uses.
    • Potential creation of a state trust fund to aid implementation.
    • Possibility of implementing uniform procedures for increasing exemptions; special districts may referendum to enhance exemptions and adjust annually for inflation.
  • Renters (permanent residents) may receive ad valorem relief via potential additional renter relief provisions (to be determined by general law).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative path:
    • Joint resolution proposing constitutional amendments, requiring a three-fifths vote in both chambers.
    • If approved, the measure would be placed on the ballot for the next general election (likely November 2026).
  • Effective timeline if approved:
    • January 1, 2027: initial effective date for certain provisions, including higher homestead exemptions and 5% cap for non-homestead assessments.
    • January 1, 2028 onward: inflation adjustments for exemptions; continuation of other provisions.
  • Sunset/expiration considerations:
    • Some amendments or related provisions may be subject to expiration or require further legislative action if amended by other measures; several committee amendments propose expiration dates for certain adjustments, but final text would be determined by the enacted ballot language.
  • Fiscal considerations:
    • Legislative fiscal impact is uncertain; staff anticipate a negative, indeterminate effect on local government revenues due to broadened exemptions and lower assessment growth.
    • Local governments would need to rely on a new state trust fund for implementation, and there may be costs for ballot advertising and administrative changes.

Overall, SJR 2-F represents a broad reform of Florida property taxation intended to substantially reduce property tax bills for homeowners (especially homestead properties), curb growth in assessments for non-homestead properties, and reallocate local government revenue toward core services with a supportive funding mechanism.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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