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DeSantis calls special legislative session to put homestead property tax elimination on Florida's November ballot
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued a proclamation for a special legislative session starting Monday to put an initiative on the November ballot that would make homestead property tax-free for Florida residents. Property tax revenues have nearly doubled from $32 billion to $60 billion in seven years.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued a proclamation calling for a special legislative session beginning Monday, with the purpose of placing an initiative on the November ballot that would make homestead property tax-free for Florida residents. As reported by LiveNOW FOX, the governor described taxing property that people already own as the worst way to do taxation.
DeSantis pointed to the dramatic increase in property tax revenues in Florida, which have risen from approximately $32 billion in 2019 to $60 billion in 2026, nearly doubling in just seven years. The governor argued that much of this increase comes not from higher millage rates but from rising property valuations, meaning homeowners pay more simply because a neighbouring house sold for a higher price.
The initiative would require approval by 60 percent of both chambers of the legislature before being placed on the ballot, and would then need 60 percent of voter approval in November to become law. DeSantis acknowledged that while he philosophically believes property taxes should not exist, the state is not writing on a blank slate given that the revenue funds essential services including law enforcement, first responders and education.
The proposal focuses specifically on homestead properties, which account for approximately one third of all property tax revenue in Florida. Non-homestead residential properties and commercial properties would not be affected by the initiative. DeSantis emphasised that there is no real connection between a property's assessed value and the services consumed by its owner.
If approved by voters, the elimination of homestead property taxes would represent one of the most significant tax reforms in Florida's history. Critics are expected to raise concerns about how local governments would replace the lost revenue that currently funds schools, infrastructure and public safety. The special session is expected to generate intense debate as legislators weigh the political appeal of tax elimination against the fiscal implications for local services.