Florida homeowners could soon see long-term relief from soaring property taxes under a new legislative proposal that would send $1,000 annual rebate checks for five years. The initiative, known as House Bill 71, is spearheaded by State Representative Jeff Holcomb (R-Spring Hill) and inspired by Governor Ron DeSantis’s earlier call for direct tax relief.
If approved, qualifying homestead property owners could receive a total of $5,000 in rebates between 2026 and 2030, helping offset the sharp rise in housing costs and property taxes that have burdened millions across the Sunshine State.
“My goal is to get it to them before November, when you really start to get those bills,” said Holcomb. “It’s about helping people without hurting local government services like law enforcement and public safety.”
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Contents
Florida’s $5,000 Property Tax Rebate Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Florida Property Tax Rebate (HB 71) |
| Proposed By | Rep. Jeff Holcomb (R) — inspired by Gov. Ron DeSantis |
| Benefit Amount | $1,000 per year for 5 years (total $5,000) |
| Duration | 2026–2030 |
| Eligibility | Homeowners with homestead exemption on property valued $100,000–$450,000 |
| Estimated Participants | ~3.5 million Florida homeowners |
| Administered By | Florida Department of Financial Services |
| Funding Source | State general funds |
| Effective Date (If Passed) | July 1, 2026 |
| Bill Status (as of Oct 2025) | Pending in the Select Committee on Property Taxes |
Florida’s Rising Property Tax
Over the past five years, Florida property taxes have surged by 45%, driven by soaring home prices during the pandemic housing boom.
- In cities like Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville, homeowners have seen tax bills jump by as much as 60% since 2019.
- The median home value in Florida rose from about $250,000 in 2019 to over $410,000 by mid-2025, according to Zillow data.
Governor DeSantis has described the increase as “a hidden rent” that punishes long-time residents.
“Property taxes effectively require homeowners to pay rent to the government,” DeSantis said. “Floridians need relief, and they need it now.”
The proposed rebate aims to counter these spikes without cutting local government funding, providing targeted, temporary relief while lawmakers debate longer-term structural reforms.
Eligibility Rules
To qualify for the rebate, homeowners must meet three main criteria under the current draft of House Bill 71:
| Criterion | Requirement | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Residency | Must receive a Florida Homestead Exemption | Full-time resident of Miami who owns and occupies their home |
| Property Value | Between $100,000 and $450,000 assessed value | Home in Orlando valued at $320,000 |
| Ownership | Property must be primary residence (not a rental or vacation home) | Eligible: primary residence; Not eligible: rental condo in Naples |
How Many Will Benefit?
Approximately 3.5 million homeowners are expected to qualify statewide. Those who already receive a Homestead Exemption will automatically be identified by the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) in partnership with county property appraisers — no application is needed.
“This is designed to be automatic, not bureaucratic,” Holcomb explained. “We’ll work with local appraisers to ensure accuracy and speed.”
Payment Details and Timeline
If enacted, rebates would begin summer 2026 and continue annually through 2030.
| Payment Year | Rebate Amount | Distribution Window | Administered By |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $1,000 | Before Nov. 2026 | Florida Department of Financial Services |
| 2027 | $1,000 | Each fall | Same as above |
| 2028 | $1,000 | Each fall | Same as above |
| 2029 | $1,000 | Each fall | Same as above |
| 2030 | $1,000 | Each fall | Same as above |
Rebates would be sent either by mailed paper check or direct deposit, depending on prior state payment records (e.g., homestead or tax refund data).
The Legislative Path: From Proposal to Payment
As of October 2025, House Bill 71 is under review in the Select Committee on Property Taxes. Lawmakers are considering potential adjustments to eligibility thresholds and funding methods before the bill advances to the full House and Senate.
Expected Steps Ahead
- Committee Revisions (Fall 2025): Adjust property value limits or define funding mechanisms.
- Full House Vote (Spring 2026): If approved, the bill moves to the Senate.
- Senate Debate (Summer 2026): Final legislative vote before session adjourns.
- Governor’s Signature: DeSantis would need to sign it into law.
- Effective Date: July 1, 2026 — first rebates distributed later that year.
The Political and Economic Impact
1. Supporters’ View: Middle-Class Relief
Supporters frame the rebates as middle-class tax relief that puts money back into homeowners’ pockets while strengthening consumer spending.
“This proposal delivers real relief to working Floridians struggling with inflated property assessments,” said Jeff Holcomb.
Economists estimate the program’s $3.5–$4 billion total cost over five years could provide a small but meaningful boost to the state economy.
2. Critics’ View: Temporary Fix, Long-Term Risk
Critics argue that rebates offer only short-term relief and may strain state revenues if property values continue climbing.
Some county officials worry that state-funded rebates could delay structural tax reform, while advocates for public services warn about future budget trade-offs.
“Cutting taxes without replacing revenue is like taking painkillers without treating the disease,” said Dr. Amy Rosen, a tax policy researcher at the University of Florida.
3. DeSantis’s Broader Vision: Phasing Out Property Taxes
Governor DeSantis has hinted that the rebate plan is a stepping stone toward his longer-term goal: eliminating property taxes entirely.
“The elimination of property tax is still an option,” Rep. Holcomb confirmed. “This bill doesn’t hinder that.”
However, fiscal analysts warn that removing property taxes could threaten funding for schools, emergency services, and local infrastructure, which rely heavily on property tax revenues.
Comparison With Other State Tax Relief Efforts
| State | Program Type | Relief Amount | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida (2026 proposal) | Property tax rebate | $1,000/year for 5 years | Pending approval |
| Texas (2023) | Property tax compression & homestead exemption increase | Avg. $1,200/year | Enacted |
| California (2022) | “Middle-Class Tax Refund” | $200–$1,050 one-time | Completed |
| New York (2025) | Inflation refund check | Up to $400 | Ongoing distribution |
What Happens Next?
Holcomb’s proposal represents just one part of a broader legislative push to address Florida’s affordability crisis. Lawmakers are also exploring:
- Permanent property tax rate caps to slow future increases.
- Targeted relief for seniors and veterans.
- Potential elimination of property tax, paired with sales tax adjustments.
If approved, Florida’s rebate plan would begin in mid-2026, offering direct support to millions of homeowners — and potentially setting a precedent for other high-growth states battling property tax inflation.
“This is about protecting the dream of homeownership,” said Governor DeSantis. “Families shouldn’t lose their homes because taxes keep climbing.”
FAQs
What is the $5,000 property tax rebate proposal?
It’s a proposed five-year plan to return $1,000 annually (2026–2030) to eligible Florida homeowners, for a total of $5,000 in relief.
Is this law yet?
No. It’s a legislative proposal (HB 71) still under review by Florida lawmakers.
Who qualifies?
Homeowners who:
Receive a Homestead Exemption, and
Own property valued between $100,000 and $450,000.
When would payments start?
If passed, the first checks or deposits would go out in late 2026, continuing annually through 2030.
How will payments be delivered?
Likely via paper checks or direct deposits managed by the Department of Financial Services.
What is the purpose of the rebate?
To ease property tax pressures on middle-income homeowners amid rising home values and cost-of-living increases.