Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday that he is calling a special legislative session beginning June 1 to advance a property tax reform proposal that would appear on the November ballot as a constitutional amendment.
The measure seeks to provide significant property tax relief for Floridians, with the governor stating it would eventually eliminate property taxes for more than 90% of residents, primarily targeting homesteaded primary residences.
DeSantis made the announcement during a news conference in Tampa. He criticized property taxes as an unfair form of repeated taxation on owned assets.
Key elements of the proposal include a phased increase in the homestead exemption to $250,000 and eventually to $500,000, a five-year homestead requirement for primary homes to qualify, and a 5% cap on assessed-value appreciation for small businesses. Commercial properties and non-homestead “snowbird” homes would largely remain unaffected to preserve local government revenue.
The proposal would require approval by 60% of the Legislature, followed by 60% voter approval in November. Any resulting shortfalls for local governments would be addressed through a state trust fund, according to DeSantis.
The special session is scheduled to begin next Monday, June 1.
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