“Now is the time to put Florida on the path to eliminating property taxes forever,” Chamberlin told reporters this week. But how exactly does his plan work — and what does it mean for homeowners, renters, and investors?
The $55 Billion Question
Florida property taxes generated more than $55 billion last year. Chamberlin’s plan targets the largest pieces of that revenue: county and school property taxes, which together account for about $43 billion. Municipal and special district levies, he says, can be addressed later.
Here’s how his three-step plan breaks it down:
1. Rollback Property Tax Rates
Chamberlin proposes rolling property taxes back to 2022 levels, cutting the replacement amount from $43 billion down to $34.5 billion. He argues that tax hikes in recent years have far outpaced inflation, burdening homeowners with unsustainable costs.
2. Transaction Fees
To replace non-school levies, the plan introduces a 5% transaction fee on real estate sales, generating an estimated $12 billion. Another 5% “public safety fee” on rideshares, hotels, amusement parks, and other tourism-related activities would raise about $3.8 billion. Additional surcharges on alcohol, tobacco, and medical marijuana could be added if needed.
3. A 2-Cent School Funding Fee
To replace school property taxes, the proposal adds a 2-cent statewide fee on sales, estimated to generate $20 billion annually. Districts could levy one additional cent if necessary, but Chamberlin stresses this would shift the burden away from homeowners and spread it across tourists and consumers.
Could Florida Really Abolish Property Taxes?
Gov. Ron DeSantis has repeatedly voiced support for dramatic property tax cuts, saying he wants a proposal strong enough to put before voters in the next election. But because property taxes are governed by Florida’s Constitution, a ballot amendment with 60% voter approval would be required.
Supporters argue that property taxes unfairly punish homeowners and even trickle down to renters through higher housing costs. Critics warn that shifting to consumption-based taxes could disproportionately hit lower-income families who don’t own property.
What It Means for Florida Homeowners
If successful, the plan would provide massive monthly savings for homeowners, potentially lowering mortgage escrow payments by hundreds of dollars. It could also make Florida an even bigger magnet for real estate investors, snowbirds, and retirees seeking tax relief.
But the road ahead is steep. The Legislature reconvenes in January 2026, and any amendment will face both political pushback and the test of Florida’s voters.
As Chamberlin put it:
“If we do this, no one will be able to touch us. And we will be the first state in the country to eliminate the most hated tax in America.”
👉 At Lendworth USA, we closely track Florida’s housing and tax policies to help families and investors make informed real estate and lending decisions. Whether property taxes stay or go, we’re here to provide equity-backed mortgage solutions that put your money to work.