The Florida House passed a budget and tax relief measures that Republicans say are focused on affordability, but it is $4 billion lower than Governor Ron DeSantis’ proposal.
The Florida House today passed HB 5001, a $113.6 billion state budget proposal for fiscal year 2026-27. It is $4 billion lower than Republican Governor DeSantis’ proposed budget and $1.3 billion less than the current fiscal year. In addition, the House today advanced significant property tax relief with the passage of HJR 203, a ballot proposal to eliminate the non-school portion of homestead property taxes, a meaningful option for tax relief for Florida homeowners.
House Republicans said affordability remains the driving force behind both measures. This is the second consecutive year the House has reduced overall government spending while stewarding taxpayer dollars toward essential priorities such as education, healthcare and public safety. This is the second consecutive year that the House is the only legislative chamber to pass meaningful property tax relief.
“Affordability is the defining issue facing Florida families. For two years in a row, the Florida House has demonstrated that government can live within its means while funding core priorities like education, health care and public safety. This budget is $1.3 billion less than the current year because we believe fiscal discipline is not optional; it is our responsibility,” said House Speaker Daniel Perez. “At the same time, we are advancing historic property tax relief by giving the voters the opportunity to eliminate the non-school portion of the homestead property tax. Floridians work hard for their money, and they deserve to keep more of it. Government does not create prosperity, families and small businesses do. These actions reflect our commitment to conservative budgeting and to making Florida more affordable for generations to come.”
Governor Ron DeSantis announced his budget proposal for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026–27, and the proposed Floridians First Budget totaled $117.4 billion, including $16.75 billion in reserves and $250 million towards debt reduction. Check here for more information on the budget proposal from Gov. DeSantis.
“HB 5001 is the product of detailed review and thoughtful prioritization of spending. Our subcommittee chairs and members worked tirelessly to ensure that every dollar in this budget serves a clear and necessary purpose. We focused on sustaining core services, strengthening long-term stability and avoiding unsustainable spending growth,” said House Budget Chair Lawrence McClure. “This approach allows us to meet the needs of today while protecting Florida’s financial future. It’s a budget built on responsibility and careful stewardship of taxpayer resources.”
“Property taxes have become one of the biggest cost burdens facing Florida homeowners,” said State Representative Monique Miller, HJR 203 sponsor. “Eliminating the non-school portion of the homestead property tax would provide meaningful relief directly to families who are feeling the squeeze of rising costs. This proposal prioritizes homeowners, strengthens communities and reinforces Florida’s commitment to keeping homeownership attainable and affordable.”
HB 5001 and HJR 203 now move to the Senate for its consideration.
Check online for more information on the Florida House budget, and for more information on property tax relief.
