Florida Property Tax Reform Fails; Tequesta Faces $6.1M Gap

The Florida Legislature adjourned its 2026 regular session without resolving property tax reform, leaving Tequesta officials uncertain about potential budget cuts.

The House passed HJR 203, which would have eliminated non-school homestead property taxes immediately upon voter approval, by a vote of 80-30. The measure never reached the Senate floor.

For Tequesta, the proposal would have eliminated $6.1 million in annual revenue, representing 45 percent of the village's property tax income and 30 percent of its general fund. Village officials said the amount equals the combined budgets for parks, recreation, roads, and administrative services.

The House and Senate remain at odds over tax reform. The Senate is developing a more modest plan, citing concerns that deeper cuts would cripple smaller communities that depend on property taxes for essential services.

Gov. Ron DeSantis called a special session beginning April 28 to address redistricting and the state budget. Any constitutional change agreed upon during the special session would require approval from Florida voters in November, needing 60 percent support to pass.

Tequesta residents can find legislative updates on the Village's "The Tequesta Difference" page.