Ron DeSantis Calls Special Session on Property Tax Relief, Unveils “Save Our Homes” Elimination Plan

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that he is calling a special session of the Florida Legislature for the week of June 1 to consider a constitutional amendment focused on property tax relief for homeowners. The proposal, called “Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes,” would immediately raise the homestead exemption and set up a path toward full elimination through general law.

DeSantis said the plan is aimed at helping Florida homeowners who are facing rising property tax burdens. He argued that local government property tax revenue has nearly doubled over the past seven years, increasing from $32 billion to $60 billion, and could reach $83 billion by 2032. In his remarks, he said the state should take action now to provide relief and protect Florida homes.

The proposal includes five major elements. First, it would exempt the first $250,000 of a homestead’s value from taxation and require a schedule for full elimination. Second, it says remaining property tax revenue should be reserved for core public needs such as public safety, education, schools, infrastructure, and natural resources. Third, it would limit future property tax assessments on businesses in an effort to create a more stable tax environment for small businesses.

Fourth, the plan would require fairness rules for new Florida residents. Under the proposal, anyone who establishes Florida residency after January 1, 2027, would need to maintain residency for up to five years before qualifying for the increased homestead exemption. Fifth, it would create a state trust fund to issue grants to local governments to help support core local services.

The special session will review the proposal with the goal of putting the constitutional amendment before Florida voters in the fall. If advanced, the measure would represent a significant change to how homestead property taxes are handled in the state and could have major implications for homeowners, local governments, and businesses across Florida.

DeSantis framed the proposal as a major taxpayer reform and said the state should “save the home of every Floridian.” The plan is expected to be one of the central issues considered during the upcoming special session.