Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signaled last week that property tax relief could still move forward this year, even after a proposal stalled in the state Senate during the recently concluded legislative session.

Speaking at a bill signing in Bradenton on Thursday, DeSantis said property taxes remain his top priority for addressing residents’ cost of living. “That’s the best thing we can do, that we can actually control and deliver big relief to people,” he said.

DeSantis is planning a special session on redistricting for late April, and property taxes could be added to that agenda. He suggested there would be additional opportunities to act in the coming weeks. “There’s going to be bites at the apple for a lot of different issues over the next six weeks — and maybe even beyond that,” he said, adding: “Don’t let anyone tell you somehow we’re not doing the property tax. We’re going to be robust.”

Because property taxes are set at the local level, any statewide reduction would require an amendment to the Florida Constitution, which would need approval from at least 60% of voters.

DeSantis has previously outlined a three-pronged approach to achieving cuts: using excess state funds to offset revenue losses, limiting reductions to primary homesteads, and pressuring local governments to trim spending through a state DOGE-style audit task force.

On the separate question of a gas tax cut — a move pitched by House Democrats amid rising fuel prices — DeSantis was skeptical, saying he did not believe consumers felt meaningful relief when a gas tax suspension was tried in the past and that the better solution lies in stabilizing energy markets at the federal level.

Florida lawmakers are also still required to remain in Tallahassee, as the state budget has not yet been finalized — a constitutional requirement.

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