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Governor DeSantis Proposes Major Property Tax Relief in Florida

Families in a neighborhood discussing property tax relief with hopeful expressions.

News Summary

On May 9, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis proposed significant property tax relief measures for Florida residents, including a $1,000 rebate for homeowners and a constitutional amendment aimed at abolishing property taxes altogether. With rising home prices straining family budgets, this proposal seeks to ease the financial burden on homeowners, especially those on fixed incomes. However, the viability of these measures has sparked debate among lawmakers, highlighting the ongoing challenge of balancing tax revenue for local governments with homeowners’ needs.

Jacksonville – On May 9, 2025, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis proposed substantial property tax relief measures, including a $1,000 rebate for homeowners and a constitutional amendment aimed at eliminating property taxes altogether. The governor underscored the increasing financial pressure faced by Florida families, especially in light of rising home prices and tax obligations.

During his visit, DeSantis revealed that the current average home price in Florida has surged to approximately $400,000, creating an increased tax burden for property owners. He expressed particular concern for those on fixed incomes who may struggle to keep up with property tax demands. Many homes in the state, he noted, have seen their values triple over the past five years, causing significant strain on budgets.

To provide immediate relief, the governor has proposed sending out $1,000 rebate checks to full-time homeowners. This rebate aims to alleviate some of the financial difficulties experienced by many residents as local government budgets have reportedly expanded by 60 to 120% due to increased tax revenues. Governor DeSantis criticized the existing property tax system, arguing that it is unfair for homeowners to pay taxes continuously on properties they already own, likening it to having to pay taxes on a flat-screen television long after it has been purchased.

DeSantis’s plans also include an intent to place a property tax reform amendment on the 2026 ballot, which would seek to eliminate property taxes for lifelong homeowners altogether. His administration believes that the rising property tax rates threaten the ability of residents to maintain home ownership, emphasizing that people should be able to own their property free and clear without the annual burden of taxation.

As discussions around property tax reform continue, House Speaker Daniel Perez expressed skepticism towards DeSantis’s proposal, describing it as lacking specificity and questioning its practicality. Currently, property taxes for an average home valued at $350,000 in Jacksonville amount to approximately $6,200 annually. This figure illustrates the financial impact of property taxes on residents, particularly as TaxWatch reports a 39% increase in property taxes over the past three years, contributing to an already heavy financial load for many households.

bOne of the critical challenges confronting lawmakers is balancing the substantial $55 billion in annual property tax revenue generated for local governments in Florida with the needs and economic realities of homeowners. While there are ongoing legislative studies looking into the viability of abolishing property taxes and increasing the homestead exemption, the paths forward remain nuanced and complex.

Governor DeSantis and Senator Blaise Ingoglia, who accompanied him during the announcement, view property tax reform as a necessary step to support Florida residents amidst distinctly rising property values and tax burdens. Their push for change reflects a broader sentiment among many Floridians facing financial hardship due to increasing housing costs, especially in urban areas such as Jacksonville.

As the issue progresses and the legislative session unfolds, the governor’s proposals are set to ignite further debate about tax reform and the approach Florida will take to address the affordability crisis in housing. The proposal’s fate will ultimately rest with lawmakers and, if successfully advanced, with voters who will have the opportunity to weigh in on the proposed constitutional amendment in the upcoming 2026 election.