HJR 203 would have phased out non-school property taxes on homesteaded homes. It did not pass. Here is what it said, what happened and what is on the ballot instead.
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HJR 203 proposed raising the homestead exemption by $100,000 a year starting in 2027, for all property taxes except school taxes, until non-school taxes on a primary residence were gone. It passed the Florida House 80-30 on February 19, 2026, then died in the Senate Appropriations Committee when the session ended on March 13, 2026. A narrower proposal, Amendment 3, is on the November 3, 2026 ballot and needs 60% of the vote.
Tax headlines move fast, and "eliminating property taxes" is the kind of phrase people remember. For Palm Beach County owners, buyers and sellers, the useful question is simpler: what would change on your actual bill, and what is real today?
What HJR 203 proposed
The House joint resolution would have raised the homestead exemption by $100,000 each year beginning in 2027, for all ad valorem taxes other than school district levies, over about ten years. It applied to a homesteaded primary residence. As a constitutional amendment, it would have needed approval by at least 60% of Florida voters.
What happened to it
HJR 203 passed the House 80-30 on February 19, 2026. It then died in the Senate Appropriations Committee when the regular session ended on March 13, 2026, so it never reached the ballot. In a later special session, the Legislature passed a different, narrower proposal that is on the November 3, 2026 ballot as Amendment 3.
What Amendment 3 would do instead
If at least 60% of voters approve it, Amendment 3 would raise the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes starting in 2027 and lower the yearly cap on assessment increases for non-homestead property from 10% to 5%. It is not a full phase-out. Our HJR 203 and Amendment 3 guide has the details and the official sources.
What would stay on the tax bill either way
- School district taxes. Neither proposal removes them.
- Non-ad valorem assessments, such as solid waste and CDD assessments.
- HOA or condo fees, which are not taxes at all.
- Insurance, which is often a bigger monthly cost than the tax savings people expect.
What it means for buyers and sellers
If you are buying, plan on today's tax bill at your purchase price, not on a change that may or may not pass. When you buy, the assessment resets for the next tax year and you start your own Save Our Homes cap once you file homestead. If you are selling, buyers will still compare total monthly cost, so a clear picture of the current taxes, insurance and fees helps your home compete.
The honest drawback
Proposals change, and a ballot result is not a guarantee of how the Legislature carries it out. Do not make a buy or sell decision based on a tax headline alone.
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Related guides
See our HJR 203 and Amendment 3 guide (palmbeachcountyhomeforsale.com/blog/hjr-203-florida-property-tax-palm-beach-county-explained) and our guide to property tax changes by community (palmbeachcountyhomeforsale.com/palm-beach-county-communities-property-tax-elimination-winners).
Sources: Florida House and Florida Senate HJR 203 bill pages; Florida Division of Elections, 2026 constitutional amendments; Palm Beach County Property Appraiser.
Guide reviewed October 27, 2026.
Did Florida eliminate property taxes?
No. HJR 203 died in the Florida Senate on March 13, 2026, and never reached the ballot.
What did HJR 203 propose?
Raising the homestead exemption by $100,000 a year from 2027 for all non-school property taxes on a primary residence.
Would school taxes have gone away?
No. School district taxes would have stayed on the bill.
What is on the November 3, 2026 ballot?
Amendment 3, which would raise the homestead exemption for non-school taxes and lower the non-homestead assessment cap from 10% to 5%. It needs 60%.
Should I wait to buy until the vote?
Plan on today's tax bill at your purchase price. A ballot result does not change insurance, HOA fees or school taxes.
Where can I check my own tax bill?
Look up your parcel on the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser and Tax Collector websites.
Questions about Florida's Property Tax Elimination Proposal, Explained for Palm Beach County Homeowners? Tell us your price range and what you need, and we will send what fits.
Call or text Brian Wilder: 561-201-4717. Lucy Lopez: 561-285-8809. Keller Williams Realty.
Wilder Real Estate Group at Keller Williams Realty
Brian Wilder 561-201-4717
Lucy Lopez 561-285-8809
Fifth-generation Palm Beach County resident, second-generation agent. 1,500+ homes sold. Investing in Palm Beach County real estate since 1996, licensed agent since 1998.
Email Brian@WilderREG.com
Sources: Flexmls (BeachesMLS) and the official city, county, school district and builder sources named in the text, checked on the dates shown (February 19, 2026; March 13, 2026; November 3, 2026). Figures current as of those dates. Double-check the listing you are interested in.