TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis has called a special session of the Florida Legislature during the week of June 1 to consider a constitutional amendment that would significantly reduce property taxes for Florida homeowners and eventually eliminate taxes on homestead properties.
The proposal, called “Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes,” would immediately increase Florida’s homestead exemption and establish a path toward the full elimination of property taxes on primary residences through future legislation.
“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,” DeSantis said while unveiling the plan in Tampa. “Florida homeowners need relief. Now is the time to stand up for taxpayers, enact a historic reform, and save the home of every Floridian.”
According to the governor’s office, property tax collections by local governments have grown from approximately $32 billion seven years ago to more than $60 billion today and are projected to reach $83 billion by 2032.
The proposal includes five key components:
• Exempting the first $250,000 of a homestead’s value from property taxation while establishing a framework for eventual full elimination of homestead property taxes.
• Requiring local governments to use remaining property tax revenue exclusively for core services such as public safety, education, infrastructure, and environmental protection.
• Limiting future property tax assessment increases on businesses to provide greater stability for small businesses.
• Restricting the enhanced homestead exemption to longtime Florida residents by requiring individuals who establish residency after Jan. 1, 2027, to maintain Florida residency for up to five years before qualifying.
• Creating a state trust fund to provide grants to local governments to help maintain essential services as property tax revenues decline.
If approved by lawmakers, the proposed constitutional amendment would ultimately require voter approval before taking effect.
