Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday announced his plan for a homestead property tax exemption that could crimp local governments’ ability to fund schools, health care, and public safety.
Simultaneously, he called for lawmakers to return to Tallahassee and address his plan in a three-day special session starting Monday.
DeSantis has been discussing elimination of all property taxes for more than a year, although he eventually narrowed his plan to elimination of homestead property taxes only.
Despite the lengthy build-up, he provided few details other than a one-page summary, noting he still wants to “ensure funding for core services.”
The governor rejected tax proposals offered by the Florida House earlier this year. He said his plan — which would require three-fifth approval from both the House and Senate and then 60% approval by Floridians as a proposed constitutional amendment in November — would immediately eliminate property taxes for 60% of Florida homeowners.
The governor said he wants to increase the state’s existing homestead exemption to $250,000. The plan calls for the exemption to increase to $500,000 but would leave that decision up to the Legislature.
The Florida Office of Economic and Demographic Research reports that 28% of homestead parcels in Florida have a median value of $250,000 or less. That same report shows that about 76% of homestead parcels have a median value just value of $500,000 or below. According to Redfin, the median sale price for a home in Florida in March was $416,800.
DeSantis’ proposal would require any individual who establishes Florida residency after Jan. 1, 2027, to maintain it for five years before receiving the increased homestead exemption. It would change the limit on future property tax assessments on small businesses from 10% to 5%.
This would be the third special session since the regular legislative session ended in March. The Legislature is required to annually meet for 60 days.
“We need to start standing up for taxpayers,” DeSantis said.
“For all this time, as we’ve seen inflation throughout the country, all these different things, it’s always the individual, the consumer, the taxpayer that’s expected to change things in order to make ends meet. They never expect government to be able to change things that so that it can benefit the taxpayers,” he continued.
“We’ve always focused on the homestead part of it, which, again, is less money than local governments get from residential properties that are not homestead, so that is something that’s doable and it’s something that’s really, really meaningful.”
School funding
Local governments pay nearly half of school funding. Property taxes contribute much of the local government contribution to schools. A local government’s share of the contribution to education funding depends on property values and taxes levied on those properties.
House Democratic leader Fentrice Driskell voiced concern about what the proposal could mean for schools.
“My mom is a retired educator, I hang out with a lot of teachers. I think there’s a reason why the governor didn’t want to show his work today,” Driskell said during a news conference at the Capitol Wednesday.
DeSantis, Driskell said, contradicted himself. “He says he wants to ensure funding for core services, and he says that that includes education. So, he wants to ensure that there’s funding, but there’s nothing in his plan that says that that funding won’t be cut.”
She added: “I’m very concerned that it could mean reduced funding for our schools overall, even though there could be some core service funding for core services that might maintain, but he hasn’t explained exactly what that would look like or how much there would be.”
The Florida Chamber of Commerce said in a written statement that it would “evaluate the proposed constitutional amendment with our members once specific bill text and potential fiscal impacts are released.” The pro-business lobby did note that “property taxes accounted for nearly $60 billion in local government and school funding in 2025, up from $55.18 billion the year prior and $35.7 billion in 2019.”
Healthcare funding
Florida requires counties to contribute to the state’s costs of the basic Medicaid program. What a county contributes varies depending on its share of Medicaid enrollment. That amount is calculated annually and adjusted through changes in Medicaid expenditures. Documents show that counties in 2025 contributed $411.6 million toward the Medicaid program in FY 26-27. Economists predict that number will increase to $438.4 in FY 27-28.
Moreover, some counties contain hospital taxing districts, which also are supported by local property taxes. Large hospital systems, such as Broward Health, Memorial Health Care, and Hallifax Health, are run by taxing districts that rely on property taxes.
Legislative reaction
Senate President Ben Albritton publicly released a statement following the press conference showing he is all in on the governor’s proposal.
“Since the Governor first introduced this issue, my goal has been for the Senate to pass an amendment that gives voters the opportunity to reduce their property taxes in a straightforward and substantial way,” Albritton said.
“In my view, the proposal the Governor explained today does that. I can’t think of a more meaningful way to celebrate America’s 250 then the passage of $250,000 in tax relief for every Florida homeowner. I believe this amendment will provide meaningful relief for Florida families, while protecting businesses from extreme tax increases and safeguarding local funding for public safety, education and our clean water infrastructure.”
The Senate during the 2026 regular session never considered property tax relief. By contrast the House passed a proposal offered by Rep. Monique Miller, R-Palm Bay, that would have completely ended non-school property taxes by Jan. 1, 2027.
“We are pleased the Governor has finally gotten around to share an actual proposal,” House Speaker Daniel Perez said in a statement, according to the Tampa Bay Times. “We look forward to reviewing it once we have received the language.”
Core services
There’s no definition of “core services” in the one-page summary but they “include” public safety, education, infrastructure, and natural resources, he said.
But to ensure core services continue to get funded by county governments DeSantis proposes a new trust fund be developed.
“We are creating a trust fund in state government that will be able to provide grants to local governments for support for these core services,” he said, referring to law enforcement and education. Some counties wouldn’t need such support, he added, referring specifically to Palm Beach County.
Such a trust fund would be established following the November election by the Legislature and his office if the measure passes, he said.
Public opinion surveys have been mixed about whether Floridians would approve a constitutional amendment on property tax relief. A University of North Florida poll released in March showed 56% of respondents expressing support with 35% opposed. The proposed measure could only become law if 60% of voters agree.
–Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix
Cut the waste says
The key word ? It COULD have an effect on service NOT It WILL have an effect on services
Don’t listen to the Chicken Littles!
The sky is not falling.
We all know how insufficiently our local clown show handles our tax dollars
If they have less just maybe the waste could stop.
Public works and police wouldn’t be on the side of the road wasting our time & money ?
The staff near the top of this pyramid could be cut back so we are not so too heavy with coffee drinkers ?
Just maybe we could get the same bang for less bucks
Lee says
Less for bridges to nowhere
Ed Danko, former Vice-Mayor, PC says
I FULLY SUPPORT Governor Ron DeSantis on his PLAN TO CUT PROPERTY TAXES! As the former Vice-Mayor of Palm Coast, I know first hand how much of YOUR money is being wasted by our local government on stuff we simply don’t need. That is the reason I NEVER voted for a tax increase. I URGE you to contact your State Representees and demand they support putting this on the November ballot so YOU can decide!
Skibum says
What an endorsement! Or rather, one of the BEST reasons why this cockamamie, foolish and short-sided nonsense should be opposed!
Do you wonder why the idiot govie thinks it is great to say yes, take that taxpayer money out of LOCAL government… but don’t anyone dare to question all of the millions and millions of state funded taxpayer dollars I have misused. Like funneling millions of $$$ that was supposed to go back into the general fund to a personal pet project overseen by his wife? Like all of the hidden taxpayer money he secretly spent on planes and buses that he sent to other states, laughing while they ferried immigrants, not from Florida, mind you, but OTHER states to even more other states far away from FL, at YOUR expense! Like all of the hundreds of millions of dollars of our taxpayer money he ordered spent to build Alligator Alcatraz, and we STILL have not and most likely will never see a penny of the money the corrupt fraudster in the WH lied about possibly repaying the idiot maga supporting govie to build the damn thing they are now dismantling as unnecessary!
Local property tax dollars are absolutely critical to keep our communities safe from crime, to fund fire protection that is critical to keep homeowner’s insurance costs lower, to keep sewage treatment systems functioning properly, to keep our water supplies safe and flowing, to keep our roads and other infrastructure properly maintained, etc. It is NOT a slush fund like the chief state maga mush brain in Tallahassee thinks taxpayer dollars are when HE orders state officials to hide all of the uses from us being able to see, let alone protest or do something about!
People need to get their heads out of their rear ends! While we all would love not to pay for essential services and have EVERYTHING just free, free, free… this would be monumental hit to the very services each of us depend on one way or another in our daily lives. It is a TERRIBLE, but avoidable pothole we must not be deluded into stepping into, because it would make all of our lives worse off, NOT better, in the short term and long run.
Remember the old adage… YOU CAN PAY ME NOW, OR YOU CAN PAY ME LATER. Nothing in this world is free, and that is certainly true about our essential services that are funded through property taxes! Don’t be hoodwinked into cutting off your own noses to spite your faces!
Mark Webb says
You just voted yourself a pay raise though, right?
Then, you voted against roll backs.
However, that could be argued because there isn’t a single meeting you were ever prepared for.
Dan says
Rental prices will go up if homesteaded property taxes get cut – furthering the class and wealth divide between those who own assets and those who don’t. The same people applauding this, ironically enough, are the same ones on Medicare and Social Security. Don’t complain in 5 years when all of the roads have potholes and your car gets damaged; you’re going to use the money you saved on taxes for the repairs.
Callmeishmael says
Five years? LOL.
The future is now.
Ed Danko, former Vice-Mayor PC says
FYI- people who collect Medicare and Social Security paid into those programs their entire working lives. There is a four letter word for those who can’t afford yet to buy, it’s called RENT. Most of us did it while saving up to buy. Some of us, like myself , served our country in the military and were able to use a VA loan benefit to buy that first house with no money down. Regardless, if you work hard abd manage your money properly, someday you’ll be able to afford to buy your own home. It’s called the.American Dream! Unless you’re a Communist or a Dumbocrat, you should understand that.
Laurel says
Services have to be paid for by some means. DeSantis has not made it clear where that money is coming from, and exactly how it would be used.
He is fishing for Presidency, and property taxes are his bait. Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill will go into effect AFTER the midterms and the public is going to get hit hard. They don’t see it yet.
If the property tax cut goes into effect, local governments will be dependent on the federal government, in other words, the loss of home rule. What do you think the federal government will do?
I’m not a fan of property taxes, but I want to see a solid, viable replacement before I vote. That won’t happen. One thing I’ll bet on, is the ultra wealthy will win, and the middle class will get stuck holding the bag again.
Sherry says
Absolutely Laurel!
DeSantis is busy preparing the next con artist “Bill of Goods” to be sold to the gullible Maga mindless cult members. Meanwhile, the wealthy are laughing all the way to the bank!
Deborah Coffey says
Why anyone would trust Republicans to do the right thing with their money is beyond me. It was Republicans that caused the Great Depression of 1929 and the Great Recession of 2008. Ronald Reagan destroyed the American middle class. Read the research and see the data for yourselves. No. No. No, to Ron DeSantis’ plan! We may save some money on taxes but, we will need to spend it to sustain our lives with things we need. Republicans will break us almost as if it is their deliberate plan. Tariffs, wars, concentration camps, arches, ballrooms, reflecting pools, ICE, a trillion dollars cut from Medicaid, no taxes on the 1% wealthiest? Wake up, America! There is never anything left for YOU.
DeSantisRocks says
You can thank Bill Clinton’s policies with Cuomo for the great recession, not Republicans. Nothing but the suicidal empathy of the Dim party. Easy Dimocrat housing policies (a home for everyone!) caused inflated pricing, and ultimately a crash when all those people who had no business owning a home walked away from their subprime ARM mortgages. You people blame Trump and Republicans while absolutely never looking inward at every broken idea the Dims come up with. I could go on for days. The rest of this is just laughable. Vote red, always.
Laurel says
“Bill Clinton’s economic policies are credited with fostering a recovery following the recession he inherited when he took office in 1993. His administration oversaw strong economic growth, job creation, and a budget surplus during his presidency.
– Search Assist, Wikipedia, FactCheck.org
You could go on for days, but you shouldn’t without facts.
DeSantisRocks says
How cute! One cites quotes having absolutely nothing to do with housing policy and then points the finger claiming the other has no facts. It’s typical of the left, to always assume they are right, when they never are. Here are some RELEVANT facts for you.
During the 1990s, the Clinton Administration pursued policies designed to expand homeownership, including the 1995 National Homeownership Strategy and stronger enforcement of the Community Reinvestment Act. HUD, including under Secretary Andrew Cuomo, also increased affordable housing goals for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, encouraging greater lending to borrowers with weaker credit profiles. Critics argue that these policies helped erode traditional underwriting standards and contributed to increased demand for housing, inflating home prices. Combined with the growth of subprime and adjustable-rate mortgages, many borrowers eventually found themselves unable to make payments, leading to widespread defaults, foreclosures, and a collapse in housing prices that contributed to the 2007-2008 financial crisis.
Your turn.
Dennis C Rathsam says
Lowering property taxes, surely will help the seniors, we all live on fixed incomes. What the city should do is charge the seniors for the water they really use! P/C inflated water bill is a joke. My $ 160,00 garbage & water bill is grand theft P/C style! My wife & I don’t use no where nearthe amount of water we are paying. We have one garbage can, & when I take it to the curb, its maybe 1/2 full. Wheres the help for seniors in P/C ? They took paradise, & turned it into a TRAFFIC NIGHTMARE
The dude says
Why do only seniors need help?
Also, you’ve been here daily literally screaming at the clouds about how much Don Snorleone has brought down prices all across the board? Now you’re here whining about a water bill?
If your bills are too high, and you can’t afford gas, water, groceries, healthcare… you only have one person to blame… yourself.
Seems like maybe you could’ve made better life choices? Starting with your voting habits.
Laurel says
If the current trend continues, everyone not in the top 3% will need help.
The stock market does not reflect the economy, it reflects those involved in the market who can afford the trades, and willing to gamble in the chaos.
DeSantisRocks says
Bologna. Plenty of people are making money hand over fist. Our salaries have never been higher, and investments absolutely rocking. Love living here in the great – and profitable – state of Florida! Thanks DeSantis!
Laurel says
Wakey, wakey, let go of snakey.
DaleL says
Many, if not most, people who own stocks do it for a share in a company and a share of the profits (dividends). Certainly there are those with the wealth and perhaps some inside knowledge who buy and sell to benefit from market and/or specific stock fluctuations. Because of inflation, it is prudent to put savings into CDs, dividend paying stocks, or other investments.
As to seniors and fixed incomes, Dennis and others imply that a fixed income equals low income. They also imply that seniors are as a group are poor. Most seniors do live on fixed incomes and many are poor. However, fixed income does not necessarily equate to low income and most seniors are far from poor. On a whole, seniors have more wealth than any other age group. 65 to 74 year olds have the highest median and average wealth of any age group according to Fidelity Financial.
At present, the homestead exemption is a fixed amount. It should be adjusted for inflation. The proposed increase is excessive.
Laurel says
“The combined net worth of America’s richest tech titans reached nearly $2.5 trillion by the end of 2025, significantly boosted by an AI market surge. Notable figures include Elon Musk, Larry Page, and Sergey Brin, each with substantial individual fortunes.”
– Search Assist, Yahoo, Forbes
And a few youngsters have beat us all.
Deborah Coffey says
Did someone once say, “It’s the economy, Stupid?” Translated: “It’s the voting habits, Stupid.”
DaleL says
Perhaps the real reason for putting the property tax issue on the ballot is to get a higher turnout of voters. Specifically voters who are more likely to vote Republican. Because of inflation, the Iran war, and other issues, many of Trump’s traditional supporters are likely to stay at home rather than vote. A property tax referendum might just get them to the ballot box. The state budget is of no concern. It is all about political power.
Laurel says
Now you got it.
[email protected] says
Excellent Point Dale!
Sherry says
Agree completely Dale and Laurel!
Mark Webb says
People are so gullible.
DeSantis is doing this because he’s running for President. He won’t be around to deal with this complete mess.
You idiots realize that sales tax will increase dramatically, right?
They’ll start by saying it will be a 2% raise. It’ll take about 15 minutes to realize that won’t work and up it will go to 15%+.
Is there waste in Government? Yes. There’s waste in every household too. There’s far more waste in Federal spending than at the local level. This is also an attack on home rule and Counties will be begging Tallahassee for funding.
Congrats, you just made Tallahassee more powerful. Dems are nut jobs, Repubs now believe in fairy dust.