Florida Moves To Slash Property Taxes While Louisiana

Florida homeowners could soon receive one of the largest property tax breaks in the state’s history.

Florida lawmakers have approved a major property tax proposal backed by Governor Ron DeSantis that would dramatically increase the homestead exemption on non-school property taxes.

The proposal would raise the exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, potentially eliminating a large portion of county and municipal property taxes for many primary homeowners.

Also Read

Emergency radio traffic reportedly indicates a possible shooting involving multiple victims behind Northshore Square Mall in Slidell.

School property taxes would remain.

The final decision now belongs to Florida voters, who will have the opportunity to approve or reject the constitutional amendment in November. Constitutional amendments in Florida need 60% of the vote to pass.

Editor’s note: The paragraphs that follow are commentary by The Rabbit Hole, not part of the news reporting above.

The move highlights a growing contrast across the South.

While Florida is pushing to dramatically reduce the property tax burden on homeowners, Mississippi has also taken steps in recent years aimed at lowering taxes and making the state more affordable.

Meanwhile, Louisiana residents continue dealing with a tax system heavily reliant on sales taxes, property taxes and numerous state and local taxes and fees to fund government services.

For Louisiana families already struggling with rising insurance premiums, housing costs, groceries and utilities, watching neighboring Southern states aggressively pursue tax relief raises an obvious question:

If Florida and Mississippi can find ways to reduce the burden on their residents, why can’t Louisiana?

Florida voters will ultimately have the final say in November.

But the message coming out of Tallahassee is clear.

Keep more money in the pockets of the people who earned it.

Source: Florida Senate, President's Office (news release).