Despite all of the noise in the Florida Legislature over the possibility of Florida cutting or even eliminating property taxes, state homeowners are actually better off than much of the United States. And in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, it’s even better.
In Santa Rosa County, that rate is far lower at 0.60 percent, with the median annual property tax of $1,750. Escambia is similar at 0.63 percent and a median property tax of $1,600.
Yet in Florida, Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis and others are discussing eliminating or reducing the tax on primary residences, which are already eligible for what’s called a homestead exemption. Some tax-cutting proponents want to increase that exemption.
“If you want to have an exemption from that tax for your homestead, you’re going to have an opportunity to do that,” DeSantis said at a recent press conference in Jacksonville. “And I’m confident that it will be something that people will find meaningful.”
What are property taxes?
The perception among many is that because Florida, like some other states, doesn’t have a state income tax, the revenue is made up in other taxes, primarily property taxes.
According to Rocket Mortgage, property tax rates are tied to local and state services like public education, road maintenance, police, and more. For example, in states like New Jersey, public schools rely heavily on property taxes.
That explains why New Jersey has the highest tax rate in the nation. In Hawaii, which has the lowest property tax rates, schools aren’t funded by property taxes, so the rate is lower.
Home values also play a part in the amount needed from property taxes. States with higher average home prices, such as Hawaii, can generate the same revenue with a lower property tax rate than states with lower average home values.
Which state pays the most property taxes?
The top five property tax states in 2025 were New Jersey, Illinois, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Vermont.
The lowest? Hawaii, Alabama, Colorado, Nevada and South Carolina.
Florida fits right in the middle, along with Georgia and Kentucky.
Why does a property tax cut matter in Florida?
“While the debate continues in Tallahassee, counties are preparing their budgets, providing an important opportunity for citizens to understand how property taxes are invested and what impact any proposal could have on public safety, infrastructure, and quality of life in their communities,” said Florida Association of Counties spokesperson Cragin Mosteller said in a recent statement.
The Florida Legislature is in a special session this week to finish work on the state’s budget. For now, property tax relief is not on the agenda, but DeSantis has said yet another session may be called to address the issue.
What happens next for Florida property taxes?
If lawmakers eventually approve a property tax relief bill, it would be a proposal to amend the state constitution that must be approved by voters in the November election.
DeSantis has repeatedly said there must be an agreement on a proposal before votes can be held.
“You got to get the votes to do it,” DeSantis said. “You got to make sure you have all that lined up.”
Curt Anderson is the Policy and Politics Reporter for The USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY at https://tallahassee.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Property taxes already low in Escambia, Santa Rosa amid Florida debate
Reporting by Curt Anderson, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Pensacola News Journal
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