Here’s what was cut from Florida Gov. DeSantis’ property tax proposal

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – After state lawmakers approved a tweaked version of a new property tax amendment last week, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis took to social media to highlight the differences between his plan and theirs.

To start, DeSantis took aim at another post on Sunday that claimed he was the one who signed off on the tax proposal.

“Uh, the Legislature put a measure on the ballot,” he wrote. “It wasn’t ‘signed’ by me because it does not require the approval of the governor per the Florida Constitution.”

Because property taxes are a local issue under the state Constitution, this means lawmakers must approve an amendment to perform any meaningful change. Such an amendment must also get approval from at least 60% of voters to actually take effect.

While DeSantis originally pushed legislation titled the “Save Our Homes” Act, state lawmakers made a few adjustments before ultimately voting to approve it.

The amendment in question — HJR 1F — would make several changes related to property taxes in Florida:

• Homestead Exemptions: Provides a new homestead exemption for non-school taxes for the first $150,000 of assessed value of homestead properties in 2027; and the first $250,000 of assessed value in 2028 and thereafter.
• Out-Of-State Homeowners: Creates a five-year homestead exemption on the first $50,000 of assessed value of homestead properties ($25,000 for school levies, $50,000 for non-school levies) for owners who are not permanent residents as of Dec. 31, 2026
  • Such property owners may receive the same homestead exemption as permanent Florida residents after five years.
• Assessment Increases: Reduces the non-homestead property assessment increase limitation from 10% down to 5% annually.
• Tax Restrictions: Limits the use of ad valorem revenue by local governments to the following purposes:
  • Public safety, including law enforcement, EMS and fire services
  • Education and public schools
  • Infrastructure, including roads, bridges and stormwater controls
  • Natural resource projects, including flood control measures
  • Issue local bonds for approved uses or to make debt service payments
  • Meet obligations and retirement benefits of local government employees
  • Fund the operations and administration of county officers and commissioners

DeSantis commented on the changes between his original proposals and the approved amendment.

For example, DeSantis said he wanted a full elimination of property taxes on homesteaded properties — not just cuts.

There was also a fund in the original draft that would have provided local governments with state grants to help cover core services while property taxes were phased out.

“That said, the proposal will increase constitutional protection against taxes for homestead properties and will be the biggest property tax cut in Florida history,” he continued. “Floridians looking for help with affordability will have a great opportunity to vote for it.”

Critics of property tax cuts argue that it will drain funds for local services like law enforcement and libraries.

[RELATED: Sanford mayor warns homestead exemption hike could cost city millions]

That said, proponents like DeSantis instead claim that property taxes are an undue burden on homeowners in the state, who are already struggling with high costs of living.

Regardless, Florida voters will get the opportunity to decide on the latest amendment later this year. The general election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

If approved by voters, HJR 1F will take effect on Jan. 1, 2027.