DeSantis calls on Florida lawmakers to pass property tax amendment for November ballot in special session

After over a year of crusading for property tax cuts, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday that he’s calling a special session of the Florida Legislature, which will begin on Monday, to deal with the issue. This is the third special session for Florida lawmakers this year.

DeSantis has consistently pushed for a state-level amendment that would greatly reduce or even eliminate homestead property taxes.

“You pay all these taxes to acquire that property, and then year after year, you’re just having to write a check just for the privilege of being able to maintain ownership of something that is supposedly yours,” DeSantis said during Wednesday’s announcement.

WATCH: Press play above for a replay of the governor’s news conference (Note: because of signal difficulties, a short portion of the full news conference is missing)

Several property tax proposals were brought forward during the Legislative session earlier this year, but each of them ultimately fizzled out.

Now, DeSantis is charging lawmakers with passing an amendment that can go to voters on the November ballot.

“Property tax revenue collected by local governments has nearly doubled in the past seven years (from $32 billion to $60 billion) and is expected to reach an astounding $83 billion by 2032,” DeSantis said in a post on X. “Florida homeowners need relief. Now is the time to stand up for taxpayers, enact a historic reform, and save the home of every Floridian.”

DeSantis wants an amendment that would increase the homestead property tax exemption to $250,000 initially and then grow the exemption from there until eventually, homestead property taxes would be eliminated.

DeSantis said the schedule of how quickly the exemption would grow would have to be worked out if taxpayers approve the amendment.

He argued that the initial $250,000 limit would apply to about 60% of Florida homeowners, and once it gets to $500,000, that would include about 92% of homeowners in the state.

“I think this bottom up approach is a better approach,” DeSantis said. “This is something that can actually get done. I think it could be meaningful.”

RELATED: ‘Here we come!’ DeSantis reveals when Florida lawmakers may tackle property taxes

According to DeSantis, property tax revenue collected by local governments has nearly doubled in the past seven years (from $32 billion to $60 billion) and is expected to reach $83 billion by 2032.

DeSantis claims his proposal would:

• Exempt homestead properties from taxation: Begins by exempting the first $250,000 of a homestead’s value from taxation and requiring, through law, a schedule for full elimination.
• Ensure funding for core services: Requires local governments to use remaining property taxes solely for core public needs, including public safety, education, infrastructure, and natural resources.
• Protect small businesses: Limits future property tax assessments on businesses and creates a more stable tax environment for local businesses.
• Ensure fairness for Florida residents: Requires any person who establishes Florida residency after Jan. 1, 2027, to maintain Florida residency for up to five years prior to receiving the increased homestead exemption.
• Create a state trust fund to assist with core local services: Establishes a trust fund to provide grants to local governments to assist with the continuation of core local services.

“Obviously, you know, you got to run services, but all the time the taxpayer is having to pay more and more for basically the same level of services that they would have gotten 10 years ago when their property tax bill was a lot less,” DeSantis said.

No matter what the governor wants, it will be up to the Legislature to decide what the final amendment or amendments look like. Then at least 60% of voters would need to approve any amendments for them to take effect.