TAMPA, Fla – Tampa homeowners could soon see lower property tax bills under a new proposal that aims to significantly increase the state’s homestead exemption.

Proposed homestead exemption expansion

What we know:

A new state proposal aims to significantly lower property tax bills for homeowners by expanding the current homestead exemption. Tampa homeowner Jeff James noted that current property tax rates have become unaffordable for seniors living on fixed incomes. James explained that a 50% reduction in property taxes would allow local families to redirect their money toward essential costs like groceries or childcare. “It will help the people that have, you know, three or $400,000 houses, property tax-wise, the older people, retired people that sometimes can’t even afford just a property tax payment,” James said.

The Historic Capitol building stands in Tallahassee, where state lawmakers and local leaders are deeply divided over the long-term impact of expanding the homestead exemption.

Timeline for tax changes

By the numbers:

According to the proposal, the state homestead exemption would increase from the current $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027. The exemption would then jump to $250,000 in 2028. Gov. Ron DeSantis said the primary purpose of the change is to make homestead property tax-free, calling the potential shift historic. 

Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a press conference advocating for constitutional tax relief, stating that the new homestead proposal aims to make primary residences completely property tax-free.

The other side:

Some residents spoke to FOX 13 off camera, expressing fear that the massive tax cuts could eliminate necessary community services. Property taxes are a primary funding source for local schools, public safety, infrastructure and emergency operations. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor urged voters to carefully consider the services they might lose before casting their ballots. “They see ‘tax cut,’ of course; everybody wants that,” Mayor Castor said. “But think about the services that you’re going to lose if you do vote.”

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor addresses reporters at a local infrastructure site, warning voters that a massive reduction in property tax revenues could trigger steep cuts to vital city services.

Budget adjustments and spending

What they’re saying:

“There are a lot of people here and maybe not in this little area, but right outside of this area that need that help,” James said. He suggested that local governments could protect emergency services by cutting superfluous spending instead of cutting public safety. “Move money around the right way and not make sure it doesn’t reduce police, fire department, everything else,” James said.

Future ballot measures

What we don’t know:

Officials have not yet detailed how local municipalities will balance their budgets if the tax revenues disappear. Because the changes require a special amendment to the state constitution, it remains unknown whether voters will approve the measure when it hits the ballot this November. 

In 2025, the Ole Miss Rebels’ PA announcer came over the mic and proclaimed “B.T.A.” after they beat the Florida Gators 34-24.

That Rebels team has some key pieces coming back for their 2026 campaign, but they will be playing a totally different Florida team. However, if the Rebels did what they did last year, they will have a great chance of beating the Gators this season.

Kewan Lacy Repeat

Last year, Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy rushed for 224 yards and three touchdowns against Florida. He had himself a day, and though he will be going against a different defensive style in 2026, it is still a scheme that he and the Rebels have seen.

The Florida Gators hired new head coach Jon Sumrall last winter to bring back a winning mindset to Florida.

Ole Miss got to see the defense Sumrall runs twice this past season when he was the head coach at Tulane. Lacy rushed for 155 yards and three touchdowns in their two games against Tulane.

If Lacy does what he did last year to the Gators, the Rebels have a great shot to win this game.

The Trinidad Chambliss & Deuce Alexander Connection

In addition to Lacy having two great games against Sumrall’s defense, quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and wide receiver Deuce Alexander both showed out as well.

Chambliss threw for 589 yards and threw three touchdown passes. He also rushed for an additional 148 yards.

Furthermore, Chambliss showed a lot of patience in the pocket and progressed through his reads quite well. He just tore apart Tulane’s defense, and a lot of that happened with the help of his receiver, Alexander.

Alexander had the most receptions in both games against the Green Wave. He totaled 11 catches for 181 yards and one touchdown.

Chambliss found Alexander down the field a lot in both these games, and the duo will be a huge threat to the Gators in 2026.    

Take Florida seriously

Florida has struggled in the past few years, but they are no cake walk. In their last two seasons, they have gone 12-13 but have proved they can beat good teams.

This includes upsetting Ole Miss and ruining their playoff run in 2024. That game was in Gainesville, where the Rebels will return for the game against the Gators in 2026.

The Florida Gators have made many moves to their roster and coaching staff. This team is a lot different from last year. A new team has the ability to surprise a lot of people.

Golding and the Rebels must recognize that and prepare diligently for a battle against the Gators.  

The Rebels have a better team going into this game, and if they can repeat what they did so well against Sumrall’s defense last year, they will walk out of Gainesville with a huge win in what could be an early turning point of the season.

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