Georgia voters approved a statewide floating homestead exemption in November 2024, which included an opt-out deadline for local counties and cities. House Bill 92, being considered in the 2025 session, would extend the homestead opt-out deadline.
Homestead Opt-Out Deadline
House Bill 92, sponsored by Rep. Blackmon (R-Houston County), would extend the homestead opt-out deadline from March 1, 2025 to March 31, 2025. Rep. Blackmon was also the sponsor of last year’s House Bill 581. HB 581 created the floating homestead exemption. Editor’s correction: this article originally stated the opt-out deadline would extend to 2029. That was based on a previous version of the bill.
In addition, HB 92 has some administrative clean-up language. The clean-up is a legislative priority for ACCG, the association of Georgia counties.
HB 92 passed the Georgia House by a 173-1 vote on Tuesday, February 18. It now goes to the state senate for consideration. State lawmakers are in Atlanta through early April for their annual legislative session.
School District Opt-Outs
As of Thursday, February 18, The Henry Reporter has identified about 15 school districts who have opted-out of the floating homestead exemption. This is based on a review of local media reports and meeting agendas from throughout the state. This includes Henry County Schools who opted-out earlier in the month.
The Henry Reporter has not compiled a review of county commissioners and cities opting-in or out of the floating homestead exemption.
Featured image shows the Georgia State Capitol. Wikimedia photo.
