NEWSLETTER FROM REP. RYAN CHAMBERLIN
The past two weeks have been especially important in Tallahassee as we passed Florida’s state budget and returned for a special session focused on property tax relief. The budget now awaits the Governor’s approval, and I was proud to support efforts that continue to keep Florida fiscally strong. Perhaps the biggest news is that property tax relief is now heading to the ballot. That’s not the finish line — that’s the starting gun. The road to total elimination of property taxes for homeowners begins right here, right now. First steps are the hardest. Good thing we didn’t come here to take the easy ones. Time to work.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if there is something we can do for you. My team and I would be more than happy to help you in any way we can.
The Florida Legislature passed two bills aimed at providing property tax relief for homeowners and strengthening homestead protections.
CS/HJR 1F – Constitutional Amendment: Places the proposal on the 2026 ballot for Florida voters.
CS/HB 3F – Implementation Bill: Explains how the changes would work if voters approve.
Larger Homestead Exemption: Increases the amount of your home's value that could be exempt from taxes, potentially lowering your tax bill.
Stronger Homeowner Protections: Updates Save Our Homes protections and helps prevent long-time residents— especially seniors-from being taxed out of their homes.
Guardrails on Tax Growth: Creates additional constitutional limits on how counties and cities can levy and use property tax revenue.
Focused on Florida Homeowners: Protects homesteaded properties and prioritizes long-term Florida residents.
Voters Decide In 2026: Because this is a constitutional amendment, it requires 60% voter approval on the 2026 ballot.
Nothing Changes Now: Current property tax laws remain in place until (and unless) voters approve the proposal.
Local Services Continue: Schools, public safety, roads, and other services will continue. This is property tax relief, not property tax elimination.
Implementation Plan In Place : If approved, CS/HB 3F provides the framework for how the changes will be carried out.
The Florida Legislature approved a $114.5 billion budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The budget is $365 million less than the current year's budget while continuing to fund Florida's core priorities and essential services.
The budget also maintains more than $14 billion in reserves, including $8.6 billion in general revenue reserves, $5.7 billion in the Budget Stabilization Fund, and $250 million dedicated to emergency preparedness and response. These reserves help keep Florida financially strong and prepared for future challenges.
SECURING FUNDING FOR MARION COUNTY
I am proud to share that more than $4.3 million in local appropriations were included in the 2026-27 state budget to support projects and organizations throughout Marion County. These investments will help strengthen infrastructure, expand access to community services, and improve quality of life for residents across our district.
Marion County Animal Services Shelter
It was a special day for Marion County as we celebrated the opening of the new Marion County Animal Services shelter. This facility was huge and accommodates all the animals so well. Thanks to the county for their leadership in making this happen! This facility means safer conditions, better care for animals, and more opportunities for pets to find their forever homes.
Thank you to the County leaders, staff, volunteers, and community members who never stopped pushing for this project. Marion County continues to show what’s possible when we work together for something bigger than ourselves.
Ocala Marion County Board of REALTORS®
I really enjoyed my recent meeting with the Ocala Marion County Board of REALTORS®. We went on a deep dive as to what the elimination and replacement of Property Taxes could look like.
I was so happy to meet with some great people at the Standard Coffee Shop in the Villages to discuss property taxes. (This is a big priority for me and I am glad to continue to meet and speak to people on my views.)
