Property Tax Reduction: One of the key topics will be Gov. Ron DeSantis’ push to cut or eliminate homestead property taxes.

House Joint Resolution 203 passed the State Affairs Committee Jan 15, with a vote of 16-6, just two days into the session. The bill, if passed, aims to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot in November asking Florida voters to approve increasing homestead exemptions by $100,000 annually for ten years, excluding the taxes for schools. A 60% approval by voters is needed to amend the Florida Constitution.  

In Islamorada property tax revenue in the current budget is estimated to bring in $18,264,500, almost 76% of the total general fund revenue.  However, only a relatively small portion of that $18.26 million comes from homesteaded properties.  

Based on the current millage rate, an increased deduction of $100,000/year would result in a reduction of $787 in taxes each year for a homesteaded property owner until by the end of 10 years most all homesteaded properties will pay no property taxes except for schools.

The gradual implementation over 10 years is intended to give local government time to find ways to reduce costs to compensate for the reduction in revenue.  

Village Lobbyists: GrayRobinson has joined up with Kate DeLoach of Southern Group to provide Islamorada with a local lobbyist.  Every Friday afternoon at 4 PM during the Legislative Session, the Village will have a zoom update with our lobbyists.  You can listen in on Friday.  Click here  

Summary list of County Legislative Priorities: Click Here

Florida League of Cities 2026 Legislative Platform: Click Here

No list of 2026 legislative priorities was located on the Village website.