Jacksonville property owners would pay the same millage rate on this year's tax bills based on the tentative rate approved July 28 by City Council in a decision that matches the proposed rate in Mayor Donna Deegan proposed rate.
The council still can change the property tax rate and did so last year when it ended up cutting the rate by about 1% on a 10-9 vote. But typically, the tentative rate ends up being what's approved in September when council wraps up the budget for the next fiscal year and determines what property-owners pay on their tax bills.
City Council President Nick Howland said voters will "get to decide the property tax question for themselves" when they decide a statewide referendum in November on greatly expanded the homestead
exemption.
"I hope they choose relief because a dollar in the hands of a family is always better than a dollar in the hands of government," Howland said after the meeting.
Deegan's proposed 2026-27 budget is based on keeping the current property tax millage of 11.1919 or about $11.19 per $1,000 of taxable property value.
Property owners would see an increase in their tax bills if the taxable property value of parcels they own goes up.
For homeowners with homestead exemptions, the state "Save Our Homes" law limits that increase to 3% or the change in the consumer price index, whichever is less. This year's cap is 2.7%.
City Council voted 17-1 to tentatively keep the same property tax rate. Rory Diamond cast the lone vote in opposition but did not propose a lower tax rate for consideration.
City Council Auditor Phillip Peterson said the tentative rate is the "high-water" millage rate the council can use for next year's budget.
A reduction in the millage rate affects all kinds of property that generate property taxes. The proposal on the November ballot is directed toward relief for homeowners who have homestead exemptions. If approved by Florida voters, it would affect property taxes in the 2027-28 budget.
The council's Finance Committee is likely to look for places to cut Deegan's proposed 2026-27 budget in preparation for Florida voters possibly expanding the homestead exemption.
"Our goal is to fully fund public safety, critical infrastructure and cover core services while reducing overall spending from the prior year, delivering a safer, leaner, smarter and more efficient government," Howland said.
Deegan's proposed budget increases spending by about 1% compared to this year's budget.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville property owners get no change in tentative tax rate
