Property tax relief takes center stage as Florida legislative session begins

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Property taxes are emerging as one of the most closely watched issues of Florida’s legislative session, as Governor Ron DeSantis pushes lawmakers to pursue what he calls “transformational relief” for homeowners.

During his State of the State address, DeSantis argued that rising property tax bills are pricing Floridians out of the housing market — even those who already own homes.

“We have residents that are locked into their homes because they can't afford the taxes on a new residence," DeSantis said. Others have been priced out of the market entirely.”

The governor said local governments collected about $32 billion in property taxes seven years ago, compared to $56 billion last year, and urged lawmakers to act.

“The legislature has the ability to place a measure on the ballot to provide transformational relief for taxpayers,” DeSantis said.

“You should be able to own your home without paying perpetual rent to the government.”

State Rep. Mike Giallombardo said there is broad agreement among lawmakers that homeowners need relief.

“I think everybody is in agreement that we need to reduce property taxes for homestead,” Giallombardo said. “I think how much of that we have to take a look.”

But he warned that eliminating property taxes outright is far more complicated than it sounds.

“Eighty percent of property taxes are currently paid for police and fire,” Giallombardo said.

Property taxes also help fund schools, raising concerns about how local governments would replace that revenue if taxes are cut too deeply.

While DeSantis has floated the idea of raising sales taxes, Giallombardo said that approach could hit families in everyday spending.

“Most of the sales tax coming in is from retail our Walmart, our Targets, the stores that we all shop at every day, and our Publix, and car sales,” he said.

He also warned local governments could turn to new fees if property tax revenue disappears.

“We are seeing local governments trying to figure out how to tack on new fees,” Giallombardo said. “Those fees… go into general revenue.”

Rather than full elimination, lawmakers are weighing multiple options, including raising the homestead exemption or cutting property taxes for primary residences. Giallombardo said the House has already narrowed its focus.

“There are a number of proposals that the House has provided,” he said.

UCF political scientist Aubrey Jewett said the push for property tax relief is driven by both affordability and politics.

“Affordability is probably the biggest issue in minds of voters,” Jewett said. “But beyond that, I think there's a political aspect to this as well, because Governor DeSantis is term limited out. He's in his last year as governor.”

Jewett said a major win on property taxes could become a defining part of DeSantis’ legacy.

“He would like to end his last term with a really big policy and political victory,” Jewett said. “He’d like to be able to say, ‘I was the governor… the first governor in the United States to eliminate property taxes for homeowners.’”

Because property taxes are established in Florida’s Constitution, major changes would require voter approval,  a step Jewett expects lawmakers to take.

“The legislature will come up with a proposal that will be on the ballot,” he said. “Floridians will get to vote on this fall.”

DeSantis has already called one special session this year, raising the possibility lawmakers could be called back again if property tax negotiations stall during the regular session.

WINK News will keep you updated.