If you’re a Florida Power & Light (FPL) customer, you may need to brace yourself—a significant rate hike could be coming your way. FPL, Florida’s largest public utility company, is proposing a 14% rate increase, which could add $20 or more to your monthly bill starting in January 2026.

Why Is FPL Raising Rates?

FPL states that this increase is necessary to keep up with Florida’s growing energy demand. With the state’s rapid population boom—275,000 new customers since 2021 and an estimated 335,000 more by 2029—FPL says it must invest in new power generation, including solar energy expansion and infrastructure upgrades.

Is This Justified or Corporate Greed?

Consumer and environmental advocacy groups are pushing back, calling the proposed increase “egregious.” Many are questioning whether this hike is truly for necessary improvements or if it’s simply another way for FPL to boost corporate profits at the expense of Florida residents.

The Hidden Costs You’re Already Paying

If that wasn’t enough, FPL customers are still paying a temporary storm surcharge due to damage from hurricanes Idalia and Debby. This added $12 per month to the average residential bill starting in January 2024, and it could remain in place through the end of the year.

One of the Largest Increases in U.S. History

If this proposed rate hike gets approved, it would be one of the largest in U.S. history. With rising costs of living already impacting many Floridians, this increase could put additional financial strain on households and businesses alike.

How to See the Impact on Your Bill

If you’re wondering how this rate increase could affect you personally, FPL has a calculator tool where you can input your usage and get an estimate of your new bill. It’s worth checking out to see how much more you could be paying if this proposal goes through.

What’s Next?

The decision is now in the hands of state regulators, and public hearings are expected soon. Until then, it’s important to stay informed and engaged in the conversation.

What Do You Think?

Do you believe this rate hike is necessary to support Florida’s growth, or do you think it’s too much for residents to handle? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to stay tuned for more updates on this important issue.

Need Expert Real Estate Advice in Florida?

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, having a real estate expert who understands the market is essential. I’m Ryan Tesnow, a dedicated realtor with Coldwell Banker in New Smyrna Beach. Whether you’re looking for your dream home or trying to get the best price for your property, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

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Can Florida Really Eliminate Property Taxes?

Hello, Florida residents! There’s been a lot of buzz lately about the possibility of eliminating property taxes in our state. Governor Ron DeSantis has expressed support for this idea, stating, “Is it your property or not? You’re basically paying rent to the government to live on your own property.”

How Could This Work?

Eliminating property taxes would require a monumental shift in our tax system. Estimates suggest that Florida would need to find an additional $43 billion to maintain current public services without property tax revenue.

This could mean significant increases in sales taxes or other forms of taxation. For instance, experts warn that replacing the $40 billion loss could require doubling the sales tax, impacting everyday Floridians.

Legislative Actions Underway

To explore this concept further, Senator Jonathan Martin has filed Senate Bill 852, which proposes a study on eliminating property taxes and replacing the revenue with sales tax increases and budget cuts. However, it’s important to note that a similar bill failed to advance last year, and it’s uncertain whether this new proposal will gain traction.

Additionally, Senate Bill 1016, sponsored by Senator Blaise Ingoglia, aims to increase the homestead exemption from $25,000 to $75,000. If approved, this measure would appear on the 2026 ballot and, if passed by voters, take effect in January 2027.

Potential Impact

Eliminating property taxes could have significant implications for local governments, which heavily rely on this revenue to fund essential services like police, fire departments, schools, and infrastructure. Without this funding, services could be reduced, or alternative revenue sources would need to be identified. Some experts view the proposal as a “risky proposition,” suggesting that it could weaken local governments by removing a primary revenue source.

One major concern is school funding. Currently, property taxes contribute significantly to public education budgets. If property taxes were eliminated or reduced, lawmakers would need to find alternative funding sources to ensure that schools receive adequate support. Possible solutions could include increased state funding, reallocating other tax revenues, or raising sales taxes. However, the impact on school quality and resources remains uncertain.

Looking Ahead

As the 2025 legislative session unfolds, it’s crucial to stay informed about these developments. While the complete elimination of property taxes may be ambitious, discussions around tax reform are ongoing. For instance, House Joint Resolution 1257 proposes a constitutional amendment to provide property tax benefits for certain residential properties subject to long-term leases, aiming to extend homestead exemptions to these properties.

Conclusion

The debate over property tax elimination in Florida is complex, involving potential shifts in taxation, funding for public services, and constitutional considerations. As discussions progress, it’s essential for residents to engage with the legislative process, understand the potential impacts, and voice their opinions to ensure that any changes serve the best interests of all Floridians.

Thoughts?

What do you think about eliminating property taxes in Florida? Would the benefits outweigh the potential downsides? Let me know in the comments! If you have any real estate questions or are looking to buy or sell in Florida, feel free to reach out.

Ryan Tesnow, MPA
Realtor • Coldwell Banker
394-B N. Causeway | New Smyrna Beach, FL, 32169
Office: (386) 427-3602 | Cell: (254) 206-5020

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