DeSantis says property‑tax ballot changes will require legislature and special session; ethics review could follow reports on sheriff’s hiring

During a public Q&A, Governor DeSantis addressed timing for a proposed property‑tax ballot measure and an ethics question about Osceola County Sheriff Blackman.

Asked whether the state would delay a special session because of an unresolved state Supreme Court decision, DeSantis replied, "No," and said the state will continue to review issues as appropriate. When asked about reports that Sheriff Blackman had hired his daughter for work paid approximately $2,040, DeSantis said he did not have full details but that allegations brought to attention could be reviewed and investigated "if it warrants that."

DeSantis explained that changes to local property‑tax policy would have to be placed before voters by the legislature and that placing such measures on the ballot typically requires supermajorities in each chamber. He said the legislature must act by Aug. 1 to get a measure on the November ballot and that the state plans a special session to move property‑tax proposals to the ballot if necessary. "So November is the time," he said, describing the special session as the mechanism to ensure voters can decide.

The governor provided statewide revenue figures for context: he said local governments collected about $32 billion in property tax in 2019, that figure is about $60 billion today, and projected roughly $83 billion by 2031 if current trends continue. He framed property‑tax changes as one of several tools for relief and said his budget proposes a fund to give grants to local governments to offset homestead revenue impacts if relief is authorized.

No formal action or vote occurred during the event; DeSantis said the legislature would determine the structure and timing of any ballot measure and that the state would consider mechanisms (including phased rules) to avoid creating incentives for people to relocate to avoid taxes.