05/28/2026
In a speech today in Tampa, Governor Ron DeSantis introduced his โSave Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxesโ plan, which aims to fully eliminate property taxes for homesteaded properties in Florida.
He highlighted that local governmentsโ property tax collections have almost doubled over the last seven years โ rising from $32 billion to $60 billion โ and are on track to reach $83 billion by 2032.
DeSantis emphasized that Florida homeowners deserve major relief now, urging support for this significant reform to protect taxpayers and safeguard homes across the state.โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ
Key Details of the Proposal:
- Immediate step: Raise the homestead exemption from the current $50,000 to $250,000 for primary residences (homesteaded properties). This would eliminate property taxes entirely for roughly 60% of qualifying Florida homeowners (those with homes valued under ~$250,000 after the exemption).
- Longer-term goal: Eventually increase the exemption to $500,000, which could eliminate taxes for about 92% of homesteaded primary homes.
The plan targets primary residences only (homesteaded properties) and aims for a constitutional amendment on the November 2026 ballot, requiring voter approval.
Earlier legislative proposals (e.g., phased elimination or multiple ballot measures) were criticized or stalled; DeSantis has pushed for a focused, single strong measure.
This is one of DeSantisโ final major pushes before the end of his term. What are your thoughts on this?