Florida Governor Ron DeSantis pushes major property tax cut proposal

Governor Ron DeSantis has introduced a plan to overhaul Florida's property‑tax system by dramatically expanding the homestead exemption. The proposal would raise the exemption from the current $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and to $250,000 in 2028, with a schedule to eventually reach $500,000 or more, effectively eliminating property taxes for the majority of primary residences.

New Floridian residents would have to wait up to five years before qualifying for the higher exemption. Critics argue that such cuts would cripple municipal finances, forcing cities and counties to seek alternative revenue—such as higher sales taxes or new fees—or to slash services. Local officials, including a Gainesville commissioner and Miami‑Dade Mayor Daniella Levine‑Cava, warned of potential reductions in police funding, library hours, road maintenance, public safety, and other community programs. Fact‑checks note that only about 28 % of homestead properties are valued at $250,000 or less, while roughly 76 % are under $500,000, challenging estimates that the plan would affect 60‑90 % of homeowners.