Florida May Reduce Property Tax: What Changes for Brazilians Living in or Investing in the State

Florida's potential property tax reduction is among the most discussed tax changes in the state in 2026. The legislation backed by Governor Ron DeSantis proposes a significant reduction of the annual property tax — primarily for properties with a Homestead Exemption, which designates the owner's primary residence.

The main bill stalled in the state Senate in March 2026, but the political momentum continues. The potential implications are already relevant enough for Brazilians with property or purchase plans in Florida to understand exactly what is at stake.

What Is Property Tax and How It Works in Florida

Property tax is Florida's equivalent to Brazil's IPTU: an annual tax levied on the assessed value of a property, which varies from county to county. In Florida, rates generally range between 1% and 2% of the assessed value per year.

One of the most important features of the Florida system is the Homestead Exemption: those who declare a property as their primary residence are entitled to significant tax benefits, including a reduction in the tax base and an annual cap on assessment increases (known as the Save Our Homes cap).

DeSantis's proposal would expand these benefits — but in a targeted way: the focus is on primary residences, not investment properties.

Who Benefits from the Reduction

The proposal directly benefits those who live in the U.S. and have established permanent residency in the state:

• Property owners with a Homestead-designated primary residence

• Individuals with legal U.S. residency status using the property as their main home

• Those who have integrated their immigration and asset planning

  
  

For this profile, a reduction in property tax directly lowers the cost of maintaining assets in the state, improves tax efficiency, and strengthens long-term financial planning.

What Changes for the Non-Resident Investor

For Brazilians who purchase property in Florida as an investment — but who do not reside in the U.S. or do not hold permanent residency — the proposal likely brings no direct benefit. The reduction targets Homestead properties, which require the property to be the owner's primary residence.

But this does not make the situation any less relevant for investors. In fact, it reinforces something Piquet Law Firm consistently emphasizes: purchasing real estate in the U.S. without proper planning exposes the buyer to risks that are often overlooked:

• Up to 15% withholding on the sale price (FIRPTA rule, applicable to non-residents)

• Estate tax exposure starting from US$ 60,000 in U.S.-held assets

• Complex probate processes in Florida for non-residents

• Rental income taxation without the right corporate structure

  
  

Owning Property ≠ Being Protected

This is one of the most common misconceptions among Brazilians investing in Florida. The buying process may be relatively straightforward — but what comes after, without legal planning, can generate significant costs and risks.

The difference between purchasing directly as an individual versus through a properly structured entity (such as an LLC) can represent tens of thousands of dollars in taxes, whether upon sale or in the event of the owner's passing.

With the right planning, it is possible to align immigration, assets, and legal protection in a fully integrated way — regardless of the buyer's profile.

Next Steps

Whether you live in Florida, plan to purchase property in the state, or already hold assets in the U.S. and want to understand how to position yourself ahead of these changes, the right time to review your structure is before making any decision.

👉 Contact the Piquet Law Firm team and discover the best strategy for your profile — whether you are a resident, an investor, or planning your future in the United States.

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