Overview
- Gov. Ron DeSantis formally summoned lawmakers to a special legislative session beginning Monday, June 1, to seek ballot language for a November constitutional amendment on homestead property taxes.
- The plan would start by raising the homestead exemption to $250,000 and direct the Legislature to enact a schedule toward broader elimination of homestead taxes while imposing a five-year residency rule for newcomers.
- DeSantis proposed using a state 'trust fund' drawn from surplus to subsidize fiscally strained counties, but the special session will not include new taxes to replace lost local revenue.
- Placing the amendment on the ballot requires 3/5 approval in both legislative chambers and, if qualified, would need at least 60% voter approval to become law with final ballot language due by August.
- County leaders warn the change could force cuts to unprotected services or higher business and sales taxes, analysts estimate the full elimination could cost billions annually, and polls show strong public support even as some Republicans express concern.