DeSantis proposes staged end to homestead property taxes in Florida

Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled a plan to phase out Florida’s property taxes on homesteaded homes, starting with a ballot measure to lift the homestead exemption to $250,000 and a stepwise path to full relief. The proposal requires 60% support in both the Legislature and among voters, and DeSantis has called a special session to move it forward. While backers say non-homestead taxes could fund essential services and rural counties could receive a relief trust, critics warn the revenue loss could affect parks, libraries and other local services; Democrats call it a distraction from the property-insurance crisis, and state data shows the share of homeowners affected is contested by the EDR.