Florida lawmakers could still eliminate homestead property taxes despite ending their regular session without passing the measure, with a May deadline looming to get the proposal on the November ballot. Gov. Ron DeSantis has consistently promoted the policy over the past year, and lawmakers will reconvene April 20 for a special session to address the state budget and congressional redistricting. If legislators want property tax elimination on the November ballot, they must pass a bill by May, which would then require a 60% supermajority from voters to amend the Florida constitution.
“House Republicans went ‘all in’ on getting rid of property taxes,” said State Rep. Monique Miller, R-Palm Bay, expressing disappointment that the Senate hadn’t shown the same enthusiasm for the policy. Miller hopes DeSantis will pressure Senate colleagues during the special session. “It’s been so frustrating,” Miller said. “I will continue to be the vocal champion in terms of getting something across the line.”
Republican legislator Tyler Sirois from Merritt Island said the House-passed bill “would have been historic tax relief, but the Senate did not act on it.” Sirois expressed optimism about future action, stating, “There is some indication the governor would like to see the legislature pass something this summer. I hope the Senate will join us in this effort.” The Merritt Island representative emphasized the personal impact of such legislation: “I hope we make it easier for seniors to downsize to a smaller home without a larger tax bill.”
Local elected officials in Brevard County have expressed concerns about funding government services if the referendum passes. The House bill would eliminate all non-education property taxes on primary homes while protecting funding for police, fire and emergency services. Republican legislators have indicated local governments would need to adjust and make cuts as necessary if voters approve the measure. Funding for lost property tax revenue would likely come from increased sales taxes, with potential service reductions remaining possible.
DeSantis indicated during a news conference that another special session for a tax ballot measure was imminent, noting this was something he preferred not to push during the regular session. The governor has mentioned having a plan for months but has not yet revealed details. Miller acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the proposal’s future, stating lawmakers have yet to hear the governor’s plan or the Senate’s options. Until clear indications emerge, forecasting expectations remains difficult for property tax elimination advocates.
The April 20 special session in Tallahassee will focus primarily on passing the state budget and drawing new congressional maps, but property tax discussions could emerge as lawmakers work to finalize these major pieces of legislation. With the May deadline approaching rapidly, supporters of property tax elimination face a narrow window to build Senate support and advance the measure to voters in November.