Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday called Florida lawmakers back to Tallahassee for a special session next week to consider a proposed constitutional amendment that would reduce property taxes for homeowners and begin a process toward eliminating taxes on homesteaded property.
The special session is scheduled to begin Monday and run through no later than 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, according to a proclamation filed by the governor. Lawmakers are expected to consider a joint resolution that, if approved by the Legislature, would place the proposal before voters on the November ballot.
The proposal, titled “Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes,” would immediately exempt the first $250,000 of a homestead’s value from taxation and require lawmakers to establish a schedule in law for the full elimination of homestead property taxes.
“Property tax revenue collected by local governments has nearly doubled in the past seven years and is expected to reach an astounding $83 billion by 2032,” said DeSantis. “Florida homeowners need relief. Now is the time to stand up for taxpayers, enact a historic reform, and save the home of every Floridian.
The proposal also includes provisions intended to limit the effect on local services and businesses. It would require local governments to use remaining property tax revenue for core needs, including public safety, schools, infrastructure and natural resources. It would also limit future property tax assessments on businesses, establish a state trust fund to help local governments maintain services and require new Florida residents after Jan. 1, 2027, to maintain residency for up to five years before receiving the expanded exemption.
Senate President Ben Albritton told senators in a memo that the governor’s proposed joint resolution and implementing bill are expected to be filed by Sen. Bryan Avila. The measures are expected to be referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Monday, with floor action possible Tuesday or Wednesday.
Albritton said the proposal “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.”