FLORIDA — Gov. Ron DeSantis has rejected a new property tax reform plan from the Florida House, calling it ineffective and confusing for voters ahead of the 2026 ballot.
During a press conference in Tampa, DeSantis criticized the House’s package, which includes eight proposals, seven of them constitutional amendments, aimed at lowering or capping local property taxes. The measures propose eliminating some non-school homestead taxes, expanding senior exemptions, adding breaks for insured homeowners, and limiting property value increases.
DeSantis argued that putting multiple amendments on the ballot would split voter support and reduce the likelihood that any single measure would reach the 60% approval threshold required to pass.
Instead, the governor called for one clear, focused amendment that delivers direct tax relief to Florida homeowners. He said his administration is drafting a single proposal centered on homesteaded properties, stressing that “Floridians who own their homes should not face ongoing property taxes.”
House Speaker Danny Perez defended the House’s broader approach, saying the goal was to give voters more control over the state’s tax system. He accused DeSantis of oversimplifying the issue and suggested the governor may be considering a total property tax repeal, including those that fund schools.
DeSantis acknowledged the difficulty in balancing homeowner relief with maintaining local government and essential services. His administration plans to release its alternative tax reform proposal before the 2026 ballot submission deadline.
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