Florida H227: Eligibility of Leasehold Interests for Homestead Exemptions

What the bill says

An act relating to eligibility of leasehold interests for homestead exemptions; amending s. 196.041, F.S.; revising the circumstances under which a person may be deemed to have legal or beneficial and equitable title to certain property for homestead exemption purposes; providing construction; providing an effective date.

From the introduced text, February 10, 2026:

A bill to be entitled An act relating to eligibility of leasehold interests for homestead exemptions; amending s. 196.041, F.S.; revising the circumstances under which a person may be deemed to have legal or beneficial and equitable title to certain property for homestead exemption purposes; providing construction; providing an effective date. Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: Section 1. Subsection (1) of section 196.041, Florida Statutes, is amended to read: 196.041 Extent of homestead exemptions.-- (1) Vendees in possession of real estate under bona fide contracts to purchase when such instruments, under which they claim title, are recorded in the office of the clerk of the circuit court where said properties lie, and who reside thereon in good faith and make the same their permanent residence; persons residing on real estate by virtue of dower or other estates therein limited in time by deed, will, jointure, or settlement; and lessees owning the leasehold interest in a bona fide lease having an original term of 98 years or more in a residential parcel or in a condominium parcel as defined in chapter 718, even if such lease contains a provision terminating the leasehold interest upon the death of the lessees, or persons words underlined are additions. hb227-01-c1 FLORIDAHOUSEOFREPRESENTATIVES CS/HB 227 2026 holding leases of 50 years …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Maney, Patt (R, HD-004) · primary sponsor
• Maney (R, 4) · primary sponsor
• Gerwig, Anne (R, HD-093)

Latest actions

1. March 9, 2026: Laid on Table; Companion bill(s) passed, see CS/SB 110 (Ch. 2026-162)
2. February 11, 2026: Added to Second Reading Calendar
3. February 11, 2026: Bill referred to House Calendar
4. February 10, 2026: 1st Reading (Committee Substitute 1)
5. February 10, 2026: CS Filed
6. February 10, 2026: Laid on Table under Rule 7.18(a)
7. February 10, 2026: Reported out of State Affairs Committee
8. February 10, 2026: Favorable with CS by State Affairs Committee
9. February 6, 2026: Added to State Affairs Committee agenda
10. January 14, 2026: Now in State Affairs Committee

Votes

• House: State Affairs Committee (February 10, 2026): 24 yea, 0 nay, passed
• House: State Affairs Committee (February 10, 2026): 24 yea, 0 nay, passed
• House: Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee (January 14, 2026): 15 yea, 0 nay, passed
• House: Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee (January 14, 2026): 15 yea, 0 nay, passed
• House: Ways & Means Committee (December 10, 2025): 17 yea, 0 nay, passed
• House: Ways & Means Committee (December 10, 2025): 17 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is H227?

H227 is a bill in the Florida Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Eligibility of Leasehold Interests for Homestead Exemptions.

What does H227 do?

In its own words: An act relating to eligibility of leasehold interests for homestead exemptions; amending s. 196.041, F.S.; revising the circumstances under which a person may be deemed to have legal or beneficial and equitable title to certain property for homestead exemption purposes; providing construction; providing an effective date.

What is the status of H227?

Passed one chamber as of March 9, 2026. Latest action: Laid on Table; Companion bill(s) passed, see CS/SB 110 (Ch. 2026-162) (March 9, 2026).

Who sponsored H227?

Maney, Patt (R, HD-004), with 2 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for H227?

On the Florida Legislature website: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/227