Governor Ron DeSantis has put forward a plan for substantial property tax relief for Florida homestead owners, potentially setting the stage for even more significant changes.

During a news conference this morning in Orlando, DeSantis referenced a Florida House proposal offering $5 billion annually in sales tax reductions. However, he urged lawmakers to redirect that relief toward property taxes for full-time Florida homeowners instead.

Looking ahead, DeSantis proposed a constitutional amendment for the November 2026 ballot that could completely eliminate property taxes by the end of next year.

“You shouldn’t have to keep paying the government just to use your own property,” DeSantis remarked. “That’s unusual and not how sound tax policy should work.”

He stressed that tax cuts should prioritize Florida residents. “Sales tax relief benefits foreigners, visitors, and part-time residents,” he noted. “Our tax relief should target Floridians with a ‘Florida first’ approach.”

A Florida Policy Institute study reveals that local governments in Florida collect $42.7 billion in property taxes each year—about $2,000 per person. This accounts for nearly 20% of local government revenue and roughly 50% of school district funding.

DeSantis suggested that initiatives like the state’s DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) efforts could help offset the revenue loss with minimal impact on residents, though the effects on other taxes remain uncertain.

Immediate property tax relief would need approval from the Florida Legislature, while fully eliminating the tax would require a constitutional amendment, which must garner 60% voter approval to pass.

Follow the St. Pete-Clearwater Sun on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Google, & X

(Image credit: Business Insider)

PIE-Sun.com: local St. Pete-Clearwater news