Florida lawmakers have passed a simplified plan to reduce *your property taxes

But voters will have the final say... In January.

Channel 3's Capitol Reporter Mike Vasalinda has more in our continuing coverage of the property tax debate.

"Thirty-five yeas, four nays, Mr. President."

It took the Senate just over three hours to send the house an ultimatum...pass our property tax plan or get nothing at all.

The plan doubles the Homestead Exemption. Senators say it is simple and gives homeowners what they want.

Sen. Charlie Justice/D-St. Petersburg
"People came and said 'look, I want a couple things. I want the double homestead. I understand homestead. I've got one homestead, two is better than one. I want that.'"

The plan also lets homeowners take tax savings to a new house, and it caps future increases on businesses and second homes at ten percent.

Sen. Ronda Storms failed at lowering the cap.

Sen. Ronda Storms/R-Tampa
"I can go back to my constituents and my small business owners and say, you know, we got something. It's more than half a loaf."

The impact on schools is uncertain, but Local governments and special fire districts say there will be pain.

Ron Beasley/Palm Beach Fire District
"At this point we're going to be seriously looking at what's left to be cut from the budget. Unfortunately I think the final result is going to be personnel."

What's happened here is just half the battle. The rest is up to voters.

Charlie Crist was ecstatic and he predicts voters will say yes.

Charlie Crist/Governor
"Who doesn't want a property tax cut after all. I mean think about it. It's simpler, which I think is better."
The January 29th vote will require a 60 percent margin of approval.

The plan to let homeowners move, and take their homestead exemption with them, will be retroactive to January of this year.Property Tax Plan