Overview
- Gov. Ron DeSantis escalated his criticism of House proposals, calling them milquetoast and warning that multiple ballot questions would confuse voters and fail to clear 60%.
- DeSantis has not released detailed language or a formal plan; House Speaker Daniel Perez says the governor has not engaged, and DeSantis acknowledged he has not spoken with Perez.
- State Sen. Mack Bernard filed five targeted measures, including a non-school tax exemption for qualifying seniors, added benefits for long‑term homeowners, caps on assessed increases for new homesteads, and a 3% or CPI cap for small‑business property, plus a bill shielding sub‑$100,000 homestead improvements from higher assessments.
- Analysts cautioned that eliminating non‑school property taxes on homesteads could create an $11 billion shortfall statewide, including roughly $7.8 billion for counties and $3 billion for municipalities.
- Any amendment must secure three‑fifths support in both chambers to reach the 2026 ballot and then 60% voter approval, with Senate GOP leadership yet to endorse a specific approach.