Governor Ron DeSantis is advancing a bold plan to end property taxes for Florida homeowners, sparking widespread debate over its possible effects on local government funding.

This initiative begins with a proposed $1,000 rebate per homestead in 2025, aiming to offset school property taxes.

The administration is pushing for a constitutional amendment in 2026 to fully eliminate property taxes on primary residences, with commercial and non-homesteaded properties still subject to taxation.

Early projections warn of an $18.5 billion revenue gap, affecting schools, counties, and cities.

Solutions under consideration include increased state funding for education, higher tourist, utility, and sales taxes, and structural budget reforms.

Legislative approval and a 60% statewide voter majority will be required, followed by a phased implementation to protect core services.

This move could dramatically reshape Florida’s fiscal future and impact public services statewide.

Space Coast Weekend Events • Oct 3–5, 2025

The Indialantic Chamber Singers are launching their first concert of the season titled "Animal Crackers," featuring songs inspired by various animals.

The free performances will be held at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Palm Bay on October 3 and at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Indialantic on October 5.

A suggested donation of $10 to $15 is encouraged to support the group. Artistic Director Beth Green was inspired by composer Eric Whitacre to create the program, which includes pieces from Whitacre's collection based on Ogden Nash poetry.

The ensemble has had the opportunity to sing under Whitacre's direction online and some even met him in person at the Kennedy Space Center. The concert will showcase challenging a cappella pieces, including works by Rossini, spiritual songs, and poems by William Black.

The finale will feature a fun audience participation piece with the song "Crocodile Rock." The group is also preparing for holiday concerts in December and a return to the stage in April next year.

"Eighty percent of success is showing up." - Woody Allen

Upcoming Rocket Launches on the Space Coast

Here’s the Space Coast launch lineup from October 2–31, 2025. Times below are EDT and always subject to change (often at the last minute). I also added quick, local viewing tips for each.

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Mon, Oct 6 — 12:32 a.m.
SpaceX Falcon 9 • Starlink Group 10-59 (LEO internet satellites) from SLC-40, Cape Canaveral SFS. Good night-launch viewing from Jetty Park (Port Canaveral), Cocoa Beach Pier, or the SR-528/520 causeways. For closer sights/sound (and parking), arrive early. Visit Space Coast+1

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Wed, Oct 8 — 9:56 p.m.
SpaceX Falcon 9 • Project Kuiper (KF-03) (24 Amazon broadband satellites to LEO) from SLC-40. Try Jetty Park or Playalinda Beach – Lot 1–5 (if Canaveral National Seashore is open; check status). Night launches look dramatic from beaches south to Satellite Beach. Visit Space Coast+1

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Sun, Oct 12 — 4:11 a.m.
SpaceX Falcon 9 • Starlink Group 10-52 (LEO internet satellites) from the Cape. Pre-dawn glow can be spectacular from Cocoa Beach or Lori Wilson Park; bring a tripod if you’re photographing the exhaust plume. Visit Space Coast

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Tue, Oct 21 — 8:00 p.m. (TBD)
SpaceX Falcon 9 • SpainSat NG II (secure communications satellite for Spain; GEO transfer) from the Cape. For a clear horizon, favor the beaches north of Cocoa Beach, or Jetty Park. Arrive 90+ minutes early—parking fills quickly on evening GEO shots. Visit Space Coast

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Late Oct (targeting Oct 30, ~8:00 p.m., TBD)
ULA Atlas V 551 • ViaSat-3 F2 (EMEA) (high-capacity Ka-band broadband satellite) from SLC-41, Cape Canaveral SFS. Atlas V with five solids is loud—Jetty Park and Cape Canaveral beaches give excellent sound and smoke trails; Playalinda is outstanding if open. Visit Space Coast+1

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NET Oct (date TBA)
SpaceX Falcon 9 • SPAINSAT New Generation II (backup/placeholder window appears around Oct 22). Treat this as tentative; check the day-of. Next Spaceflight

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Heads-up items that may slip into/around October
• Blue Origin New Glenn • EscaPADE (Mars science twins) — showing NET Fall 2025 (LC-36, Cape). Keep an eye on manifest updates. Spaceflight Now

Smart viewing tips (local-tested)

• Pick your spot early. Traffic gets spicy—plan to park 60–120 minutes before liftoff for popular night/evening windows.

• Best general-public sights: Jetty Park, Playalinda Beach (if open), Cocoa Beach Pier, Lori Wilson Park, and the US-1 & SR-528 causeways. This official viewing map is handy. Visit Space Coast

• Check closures/hazards on launch day (boaters/pilots especially) via Space Launch Delta 45 resources linked from the Space Coast page. Visit Space Coast

• Wind rules the show. If winds violate limits, expect scrubs or multi-hour holds; keep snacks, water, and patience handy.

No Cape/KSC launches were scheduled on Thu, Oct 2, 2025 as of this morning; the first October window locally is Oct 6. Spaceflight Now

If you want this converted into a polished, city-by-city viewing blurb for your newsletter (with map pins), say the word and I’ll package it up.

Steps from the iconic Cocoa Beach Pier, Cocoa Beach Fish Camp Grill brings a flavorful fusion of Southern-inspired dishes and lively entertainment to the Space Coast.

Savor crispy gator bites, rich gumbo, and juicy burgers—each plate bursting with bold bayou flavors.

The community comes alive here, with Trivia Tuesdays from 6 to 8 PM, featuring half-price gumbo, jambalaya, and domestic drafts for your game night cravings.

Kick up your boots every Line Dancing Thursday at 7 PM, open to all skill levels with plenty of room for fun.

Catch the show on Wednesdays with high-energy Dueling Pianos performances.

Special events like the Wags and Waves fundraiser showcase the Grill’s dedication to local causes.

Experience why this spot is a local favorite—where food, music, and community create something truly unforgettable.

Ever Wonder About Brevard County Museums?

Here’s the list of Brevard County museums organized by area, with locations and active website links 

>Northern Brevard (Titusville)

• Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum — Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
  Website: ccspacemuseum.org

• Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum — Titusville (Space Coast Regional Airport)
  Website: warbirdairmuseum.com

• North Brevard Historical Museum — 301 S Washington Avenue, Titusville
  Website: northbrevardhistoricalmuseum.org

• American Police Hall of Fame & Museum — 6350 Horizon Drive, Titusville
  Website: aphf.org

>Central Brevard (Cocoa, Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral)

• Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum — Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
  Website: ccspacemuseum.org

• Brevard Museum of History & Natural Science — 2201 Michigan Avenue, Cocoa
  Website: brevard-museum.com

• Florida Surf Museum — 4275 N Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach
  Website: floridasurfmuseum.org

• The Wizard of Oz Museum — 7099 N Atlantic Avenue, Cape Canaveral
  Website: wizardofozflorida.com

• Veterans Memorial Center Museum — Merritt Island (Veterans Memorial Park)
  Website: veteransmemorialcenter.org

>Southern Brevard (Melbourne & Eau Gallie)

• Historic Rossetter House Museum & Gardens — 1320 Highland Avenue, Melbourne (Eau Gallie Arts District)
  Website: rossetterhousemuseum.org

• Liberty Bell Memorial Museum — 1601 Oak Street, Melbourne
  Website: honoramerica.org

• Green Gables at Historic Riverview Village — 1501 S Harbor City Blvd, Melbourne
  Website: greengables.org

For reference, the Museums of Brevard Network (MOB) lists and coordinates many of these sites: mobfl.org

Brevard County Housing Market Update

Here's the current state of Brevard County's housing market and interest rates as of October 2025:

Housing Market:
- The median home price in Brevard County is $354,000, showing a 3.9% decrease from last year
- Average days on market is 77 days, up from 71 days last year
- Active inventory has increased significantly to 5,180 properties, up 30% from last year
- Sales volume is at 742 monthly closings, representing a slight decline

Market Conditions:
- It's shifting toward a more balanced market with buyers gaining more negotiating power
- About 33.9% of listings are experiencing price reductions
- Properties are selling for approximately 96.6% of list price
- Only 8.3% of homes are selling above list price, down from last year

Interest Rates:
- Mortgage rates are expected to see a gradual decrease throughout 2025
- The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) and other major institutions are forecasting slightly lower rates
- This potential rate decrease could help improve affordability for buyers

Market Trends:
- Inventory levels are at their highest since February 2011
- The market is showing signs of stabilization after previous years' rapid growth
- Buyers have more choices and less pressure to make quick decisions
- Sellers are needing to be more competitive with pricing and negotiations

This data suggests Brevard County is experiencing a market correction with increasing inventory and moderating prices, giving buyers more options while requiring sellers to be more strategic in their pricing.

Current Interest Rates Update:

You may have heard the government shut down. Short term, this can actually give mortgage rates a small boost lower, but the bigger concern is possible delays in loan processes or data releases. Let’s talk about how to stay on track if you’re buying.

 

Current Mortgage Rate Ranges:

• Conventional: 5.875% to 6.875%

• Jumbo: 6.125% to 6.75%

• FHA: 5.5% to 6.625%

• VA: 5.5% to 6.625%

• Down Payment Assistance: 6.125% to 7.99%

Bottom Line:
While the shutdown may provide short-term rate relief, the real challenge lies in potential processing delays. Being proactive now ensures your buyers can stay on track, no matter how long the shutdown lasts.

This information above was provided by Jennifer Kline with The Mortgage Firm.  You can contact Jennifer at: (321) 754-1212, ​(321) 684-1975, jennifer.kline@tmf.mortgage

💲Owner Financing Homes Are Still A "Thing"💲

Check out the 2 Owner Financing home we have available below.  Contact me for all the financing details.  Larry Fleckinger 321-693-4322 or larry@housemaxpro.com! 

Click on the images below to see more photos, updated price, 3D tour and more details

New Construction Homes in Brevard County, FL — Market Trends & Buyer Incentives

Brevard County, along Florida’s Space Coast, remains a sought-after area for new housing. With its proximity to the Atlantic, beaches, NASA/space industries, growing job sectors, and appealing quality of life, demand stays strong. But the market is shifting — especially in new construction. Builders are adjusting their strategies to adapt to higher costs and cooling buyer sentiment. That means opportunities for buyers.

Glossary: What Buyers See Changing

• Price Adjustments / Reductions: Builders are lowering list prices or offering “price cuts” on certain inventory or spec homes.

• Interest Rate Incentives (Rate Buy-Downs, Locked Rates, etc.): To offset rising mortgage rates, some builders (or their lenders) are offering promotional financing, rate buy-downs or locking in lower rates for a period.

• Other Incentives / Perks: These include closing cost assistance, upgrades (appliances, floors, patios, etc.), lot premium waivers, flex cash, or builder credits.

What the Data Shows in Brevard

Here are some concrete numbers and examples from Brevard County:

• Median and Starting Prices
  New homes listed in Brevard have a median listing price around $330,000. (Realtor)
  Homes in certain new-construction developments start much lower — in the low $200,000’s. 

• Price Reductions in Listings
  On Zillow, many new construction homes in Brevard are marked with price cuts. Examples:
  • A 4 bed 3 bath in Palm Bay was reduced by around $6,000. (Zillow)
  • Another home in Palm Bay dropped by ~$24,900. (Zillow)

• Incentives & Interest-Rate Relief
  • Some listings offer a “locked in reduced rate” or seller-paid rate relief mechanisms. For instance: “$15,000 buyer’s incentive OR this house comes with a locked in reduced rate as low as 4.99% APR.” 

• Affordable New Homes Are Still Present
  There are numerous new homes in Brevard under $400,000. (Jome) Some starting points are as low as ~$233,780 and rising depending on size, location, and upgrades. (New Home Source)

• Purchase Assistance Programs
  For eligible buyers, local government runs programs:
  • Brevard County’s Purchase Assistance Program helps very low, low & median-income families, and it can be applied toward new homes among other units. (Learn More)
  • There are income limits, good‐faith contribution minimums, and requirements such as being first time homebuyers. (Learn More)

Why Builders Are Offering More Incentives Now

Some of the forces behind what we’re seeing:

1. Mortgage Rates & Affordability Pressure
   As interest rates have gone up, monthly payments increase. To make homes move, builders are more likely to offer rate buydowns or locked incentives to reduce the financial burden for buyers.

2. Inventory / Competition Among Builders
   With many new communities in development, builders compete not just against each other, but also with resale homes. To stand out, they sweeten the deal.

3. Cost Pressures & Buyer Hesitancy
   Construction costs, materials, labor, permitting etc. continue rising. But buyer demand is a bit more cautious than earlier in the pandemic/boom period. That tension is pushing builders to both manage their margins and appeal more aggressively to buyers.

4. Regulatory / Local Policy Support
   Programs like the county purchase assistance help enable buyers to participate. These partnerships can help builders sell more quickly.

What Buyers Should Watch Out For

If you are considering buying a new construction home in Brevard:

• Read the fine print on incentives
  Some rate-buydowns are temporary, or only for a short period. “Locked in rate” sometimes means for an initial period and then adjusts. Confirm duration and conditions.

• Check which homes are inventory vs pre-construction
  Move-in ready homes sometimes receive price cuts; pre-construction deals may promise incentives, but delivery might be many months away. Things can change.

• Look at total cost, not just price tag
  Consider lot premiums, homeowners association (HOA) fees, insurance (especially for coastal areas or flood zones), property taxes, maintenance costs.

• Use local purchase assistance when eligible
  The Brevard County program can help with down payments/second mortgages (zero interest sometimes) if you qualify. (Default)

• Compare financing options
  Even with builder‐offered locked or reduced rates, it’s wise to get quotes from independent lenders to see what’s better over the long run.

Bottom Line

New construction homes in Brevard County are still very much available, with a good range from lower cost spec homes (low $200,000’s) to higher-end luxury new builds. Because of interest-rate pressures and increased competition, many builders are offering more incentives than in recent years. For buyers who are ready, informed, and who qualify for programs, now can be a favorable time to negotiate or find value.

If you’d like, I can pull listings from specific areas like Palm Bay, Titusville, or Cocoa, showing which homes have the best incentives right now. Do you want me to put that together for you?

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💯For a Free List of all new construction homes in Brevard, many with incentives,  visit https://NewHomesBrevard.com.

🔍Click Here To Find your Next Home!🔎