TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis is urging the courts to quickly resolve a legal challenge to Florida’s proposed property tax amendment, arguing that election officials need clarity before ballots are printed for the November 2026 election.
Speaking Tuesday, DeSantis said the lawsuit challenging the ballot language should not “drag out” because county Supervisors of Elections will soon begin preparations for the General Election.
“They are going to have to print ballots probably sometime in August for the General Election,” DeSantis said.
The lawsuit challenges a proposed constitutional amendment that would increase Florida’s homestead property tax exemption to $250,000 by 2028 if approved by voters.
Lawsuit Targets Ballot Language
The legal challenge was filed by Save Our Voters from Misleading Ballot Language, Inc., which argues that the amendment’s title and ballot summary are biased and potentially misleading to voters.
The lawsuit names Secretary of State Cord Byrd and Attorney General James Uthmeier as defendants.
Plaintiffs contend that the amendment title, “Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes,” functions more as a campaign slogan than a neutral description of the proposal.
The lawsuit also questions language suggesting that core government services will remain funded while ensuring fairness for taxpayers.
Critics argue that renters and future Florida residents would not receive the same tax benefits provided to current homestead property owners.
DeSantis Defends Ballot Summary
DeSantis rejected claims that the ballot language is misleading.
The Governor noted that lawmakers previously modified state law to allow longer ballot summaries for constitutional amendments, giving voters more information about complex proposals.
“You don’t want to read ‘War and Peace’ on your ballot,” DeSantis joked, referencing Leo Tolstoy’s famous novel. “But on the other hand, some of this stuff can be complicated.”
While acknowledging he would generally prefer tax policy not be embedded in the state constitution, DeSantis argued the amendment is necessary under Florida’s current legal framework governing property taxes.
Property Tax Debate Intensifies
The amendment has become one of the most closely watched issues in Florida Elections 2026.
Supporters argue expanding homestead exemptions would provide meaningful tax relief for homeowners facing rising housing costs and insurance premiums.
Opponents warn the measure could significantly reduce local government revenue and create budget challenges for counties, cities, and special districts.
Recent state economic projections estimated local governments could lose billions of dollars in revenue if voters approve the amendment.
What’s Next
The courts must now determine whether the ballot language complies with Florida law and whether the amendment can remain on the November ballot as currently written.
DeSantis suggested that opponents could ultimately achieve the opposite of their intended goal if the legal challenge results in state officials rewriting the ballot language.
“Be careful what you wish for,” the Governor said.
With election preparations approaching, both supporters and opponents are expected to push for a swift legal resolution in the months ahead.
