Why It Matters
Florida lawmakers face mounting pressure to address rising housing costs as property taxes and insurance premiums squeeze homeowners and renters. Former House Speaker Paul Renner is conducting a series of town halls across the state to gather input on potential tax reform measures, warning that legislative inaction could delay voter consideration of relief until 2028.
What Happened
Renner began a statewide listening tour in Doral on April 9, 2026, focused on what his campaign describes as Florida’s affordability crisis. The Palm Coast resident told attendees that fixed-income residents and younger Floridians face significant barriers to homeownership, with many doubting they will ever be able to purchase property.
During the event, Renner polled participants on which groups should receive property tax relief—homesteaders, renters, or businesses. Most attendees favored comprehensive reform covering all categories, a broader approach than the phased homesteader-only relief under consideration by Governor Ron DeSantis.
By The Numbers
Recent polling from The James Madison Institute, conducted in February 2026, found that 92 percent of Florida voters report increased living costs. Insurance costs topped housing affordability concerns at 24 percent, followed by taxes at 22 percent and housing supply at 19 percent. More than half of respondents—54 percent—said they are paying higher property taxes than in previous years.
Seventy-seven percent of voters said they would support some form of property tax reform, with 42 percent backing moderate changes and 35 percent favoring complete elimination of the tax.
Proposed Revenue Solutions
Renner suggested several mechanisms to replace lost property tax revenue. He proposed targeting Medicaid fraud and government waste through what he called a permanent audit process, which he estimated could recover tens of billions of dollars. Consolidating procurement across municipalities, counties, and the state also could generate savings, he said.
Other options discussed included transaction fees ranging from 2 to 5 percent on non-homesteaders, investors, and tourists, with higher rates for owners of multiple properties. Renner also mentioned protections for renters to prevent landlords from passing taxes and fees through to tenants. Artificial intelligence efficiencies could yield additional savings within five to ten years, he added.
Zoom Out
Property tax relief has emerged as a significant political issue in Florida and other states experiencing rapid population growth and rising home values. Florida’s homestead exemption provides some protection for primary-residence owners, but escalating assessments have driven up tax bills even for longtime homeowners. The debate over how to structure relief—and whether to prioritize homeowners over renters or businesses—reflects broader tensions over tax policy and local government funding.
What’s Next
Renner’s tour continues with stops in Tampa on April 10, Crawfordville on April 13, Orlando on April 14, Jacksonville on April 15, and Pensacola on April 17. Legislative action on property tax reform could determine whether a constitutional amendment reaches the ballot in 2026 or is delayed until 2028.