Governor Ron DeSantis calls special legislative session to advance sweeping property tax relief plan and introduces Save Our Homes proposal for Florida homeowners
Tallahassee, Florida – In a move that could reshape how homeowners are taxed across the state, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a special legislative session focused on property tax relief. The session is set for the week of June 1 and will center on a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at reducing and eventually eliminating property taxes on homesteads.
The announcement was made in Tampa, a city that has often been at the center of Florida’s rapid growth and rising housing costs. According to the Governor, the plan is designed to give immediate relief to homeowners while also setting a long-term path toward structural tax reform. The proposal carries the title “Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes” and is expected to be one of the most debated policy ideas in the upcoming session.
“Today in Tampa, I outlined the Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes plan that will eliminate taxes on homesteads,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “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. Florida homeowners need relief. Now is the time to stand up for taxpayers, enact a historic reform, and save the home of every Floridian.”
The proposal comes at a time when housing affordability remains a central concern for many residents across Florida. Property values have climbed steadily in recent years, which has also driven up tax bills for homeowners. State data referenced in the announcement shows that local government property tax collections have increased from about $32 billion to $60 billion in just seven years, with projections suggesting continued growth in the years ahead.
Supporters of the proposal argue that the rising tax burden is becoming unsustainable for many families, especially retirees and middle-income homeowners who have seen fixed incomes stretched thin. Critics, however, are expected to raise concerns about how local governments would replace lost revenue if homestead taxes were significantly reduced or eventually removed.
The plan itself includes five main components, each designed to balance tax relief with local service needs. First, it calls for exempting the first $250,000 of a homestead’s value from taxation, along with a structured path toward full elimination through future legislation. This is the central feature of the proposal and the most ambitious part of the framework.
Second, the proposal emphasizes the protection of essential public services. Local governments would be required to use remaining property tax revenue strictly for core services such as public safety, education, infrastructure, and natural resource management. This restriction is intended to ensure that any reduced tax base does not compromise basic community functions.
Third, the plan includes measures aimed at small businesses. It would limit future property tax assessment increases on commercial properties, creating a more predictable financial environment for business owners who often face fluctuating costs tied to property valuations.
Fourth, the proposal introduces residency requirements tied to homestead exemptions. Under the plan, individuals who establish Florida residency after January 1, 2027, would need to maintain residency for up to five years before qualifying for the increased homestead benefits. This provision is designed to prioritize long-term residents in receiving the full tax advantages.
Fifth, the plan proposes the creation of a state trust fund. This fund would provide grants to local governments to help maintain essential services during the transition period, particularly if property tax revenues decline due to expanded exemptions.
The Governor’s office has stated that the proposal will be brought before lawmakers during the upcoming special session. If approved, it could be placed on the ballot for Florida voters to decide this fall, turning the issue into a statewide referendum on one of the most significant tax policy changes in recent memory.
As the debate unfolds, the proposal is likely to spark strong reactions from both supporters of tax reduction and officials concerned about local budget stability. What remains clear is that the discussion around property taxes in Florida is entering a new and highly consequential phase, with long-term implications for homeowners, businesses, and public services across the state.
