TALLAHASSEE — Florida lawmakers have begun formally reviewing proposals that could dramatically reshape local government funding as Gov. Ron DeSantis pushes to eliminate property taxes for more than five million homeowners.
The Office of Economic and Demographic Research met Friday to evaluate eight separate proposals aimed at reducing or phasing out property taxes. DeSantis has called previous ideas “half measures,” urging lawmakers to commit to full elimination to ease housing costs statewide.
However, the governor’s plan faces tough questions about how to replace billions in lost revenue. Local officials warn that cutting property taxes could devastate services like fire protection, emergency response, and parks.
“It will wipe out parks and recreation,” said Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey.
Political Feud in Tallahassee
The property tax debate has escalated tensions between DeSantis and House Speaker Daniel Perez (R–Miami). The governor accused lawmakers of stalling, while Perez called DeSantis “small and petty” for attacking legislative efforts.
The proposals — which could appear on the 2026 ballot — vary widely. Some would expand homestead exemptions, while others would phase out property taxes over a decade. DeSantis has criticized the idea of multiple ballot options, saying it would confuse voters and risk failure.
Local Governments Sound the Alarm
Eliminating property taxes without new funding could slash an average of 28% of local budgets, according to state data. In rural counties like Franklin and coastal regions such as Flagler, losses could reach more than a third of annual budgets.
Jessica Ward, vice chair of the Franklin County Commission, warned the move would “annihilate” small communities after a single natural disaster.
Despite growing opposition, DeSantis and state CFO Blaise Ingoglia insist local fears are exaggerated.
“We’ve seen this playbook before,” Ingoglia said. “They always claim nobody will show up when you call 911 — and it’s simply not true.”
Summary
As DeSantis nears his final year in office, Florida’s property tax battle is shaping up as one of the most consequential fights of his tenure — one that could redefine how the state funds public services and supports homeowners.
