DeSantis pushes ballot-backed Florida property tax overhaul amid affordability push

Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled a sweeping Florida property-tax overhaul that would raise the homestead exemption to $250,000 and cap annual increases on commercial property at 5%, with a five-year wait for new residents to access the larger break. If approved by voters this fall, the plan would be advanced in a special session and requires a legislative supermajority to place the amendment on the ballot and 60% voter approval to pass. The proposal could be DeSantis’ last major policy push and faces internal GOP resistance and opposition over potential losses in school funding and other local services, though he also proposes a standalone fund to help local governments maintain core services.