POLITICS

DeSantis Calls Special Session To Eliminate Homestead Taxes

PUBLISHED May 27, 2026, 11:33 AM ET

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Sources: 11

Center 91%

Right 9%

Sources: 11

Tampa, Fla. Governor Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday he will call a special legislative session starting Monday in Tallahassee to place a constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would raise the homestead exemption to $250,000 and direct lawmakers to develop a schedule to phase out homestead property taxes for Florida homeowners. Lawmakers must approve placing the amendment on the ballot with at least 60% support in both chambers and submit finalized language by August; if enacted by voters, raising the exemption toward $500,000 could make roughly 92% of homesteaded properties tax-free, while the governor proposed a state trust fund to offset local revenue losses during transition.

By Emily Rhodes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Over the prior year, Governor DeSantis publicly discussed proposals to reduce or eliminate property taxes.
Wednesday: DeSantis formally unveiled the plan and announced a special legislative session starting Monday.
Monday: Special session convenes in Tallahassee to consider placing the amendment on the November ballot.
By August: Lawmakers have a statutory window to finalize specific ballot language for the amendment.
November: Voters would decide the amendment; it requires at least 60% approval to pass.

News Intelligence

If you're a Florida homeowner, this could mean big savings. A higher homestead exemption and a phase-out of property taxes could leave more money in your pocket. Check your current property tax bill to see the potential impact.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 11
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 10

Who Benefited

Florida homestead property owners—particularly those with lower-valued homes—stand to benefit from higher exemption thresholds; the governor also proposed a state trust fund aimed at providing grants to local governments to help offset revenue losses during the transition.

Who Impacted

Local governments and municipalities could suffer reduced property tax revenues, potentially affecting funding for local services unless state trust fund grants are approved and distributed to offset shortfalls.

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