DeSantis says property-tax amendment will go to ballot; signals special session

Governor DeSantis told the audience at Fort Myers High School that the legislature plans a special session to put a change to property-tax rules on the ballot, describing the proposal as a way to give homeowners relief and to help younger buyers afford houses.

"So the next thing we're gonna do in special session is gonna be property tax," DeSantis said, describing deadlines and the need to print ballots in advance of the summer deadlines. "It has to get on the ballot ... I think the voters will approve it." (Governor DeSantis)

DeSantis framed the change as a homestead-exclusion adjustment that would protect primary homeowners from rising property valuations; he said non-homesteaded properties such as second homes and short-term rentals would remain taxable. He repeated that some technical deadlines for printing ballots fall in July and August and that the legislature must act to get the measure on the ballot.

The governor said the state has recorded large growth in property-tax revenues — citing figures that local governments collected about $32 billion in 2019 and around $60 billion seven years later — and argued a ballot measure could relieve pressure on homeowners while still allowing taxation of commercial and non-homestead properties.

Asked about timing for a separate appointment for the supervisor of elections, DeSantis said he hoped to nominate a candidate "after the property tax" business was settled and identified Representative Jenna Persons Molica as a leading candidate. (Governor DeSantis)

What’s next: DeSantis said he would consult with legislative leaders about the timing but indicated the administration expects the measure to be printed and placed before voters if both chambers can meet statutory thresholds to put it on the ballot. The transcript records planning-stage remarks and expectations rather than enacted ballot language or confirmed dates.