TAMPA, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis has called a special session of the Florida Legislature to consider one of the most ambitious tax reform proposals in state history, arguing that Florida homeowners deserve relief from what he describes as an increasingly burdensome property tax system.
The special session comes just days after lawmakers approved Florida’s $114.5 billion state budget, a spending plan that is also expected to face additional review from Gov. DeSantis before taking effect.
The proposal, branded by the governor as “Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes,” comes as property tax collections by local governments have surged over the past several years, fueled by rising property values and continued population growth. According to the governor’s office, local property tax revenue has nearly doubled over the past seven years and could reach $83 billion annually by 2032 if current trends continue.
DeSantis Pushes Historic Tax Relief Plan
Under the governor’s proposal, Florida would immediately increase the homestead exemption from its current level to as much as $250,000, with a long-term goal of eventually eliminating property taxes on homesteaded properties through future legislative action.
DeSantis has argued that homeowners should not be forced to continually pay taxes on property they already own, describing property taxes as one of the most unpopular forms of taxation among Florida residents.
The governor’s plan would also require lawmakers to establish a mechanism for maintaining funding for core local government services, including public safety, education, infrastructure, and environmental protection.
What the Proposal Would Do
The proposal includes several major components:
- Expanding Florida’s homestead exemption for primary residences.
- Creating a pathway toward eliminating homestead property taxes.
- Limiting future increases in business property tax assessments.
- Restricting certain benefits to long-term Florida residents.
- Creating funding mechanisms to support essential local government services.
Supporters say the measure would provide meaningful relief to homeowners struggling with rising housing costs, insurance premiums, and inflation.
For many Florida families, property taxes have become a growing financial burden even after mortgages have been paid off.
Critics Raise Questions About Funding
While the proposal is expected to receive strong support from many homeowners, critics are already questioning how cities, counties, school districts, and special taxing authorities would replace billions of dollars in lost revenue.
Supporters say the measure would provide meaningful relief to homeowners struggling with rising housing costs, insurance premiums, and inflation.
Property taxes currently fund a wide range of services including law enforcement, fire rescue, infrastructure projects, and local government operations. Fiscal analysts have warned that any large-scale reduction would require lawmakers to identify alternative revenue sources or reduce spending.
Some local government leaders have expressed concerns that eliminating or significantly reducing property taxes could place increased pressure on sales taxes, fees, or state budget transfers.
What Happens Next
The Legislature will consider the proposal during the special session and determine whether to place a constitutional amendment before Florida voters.
Because property tax provisions are embedded in the Florida Constitution, any amendment would require approval from at least 60% of both legislative chambers before advancing to the statewide ballot. Voters would then need to approve the measure by at least 60% for it to become law.
If approved, the proposal could become one of the most significant tax reforms in modern Florida history and a defining issue heading into the 2026 election cycle.
What It Means for Floridians
The debate also unfolds as Florida prepares for a major election cycle that could be influenced by the state’s newly approved congressional map.
For local governments, however, the debate is likely to focus on how communities would continue funding public services without one of their largest and most reliable revenue sources.
As lawmakers gather in Tallahassee, the outcome of the special session could shape Florida’s tax structure for decades to come and become one of the most closely watched political battles of 2026.
