Advocacy Alert: Gov. DeSantis calls for Special Session on property tax

By FICPA Governmental Affairs

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday called the Florida Legislature into Special Session beginning June 1, 2026, to take up a property tax relief proposal. 

While the formal bill text and constitutional amendment language have not yet been released, the governor indicated the initial proposal centers on reducing taxes on homestead properties over time. 

The proposal would initially increase the homestead exemption to $250,000 for all homestead property taxes, including school district levies. The proposal would also authorize the Legislature to further reduce or eliminate remaining homestead property taxes in the future.  

The FICPA will share more details as actual legislation is released.  

You can watch the Gov. DeSantis’ full Wednesday press conference here.  

What Happens Next?

The Legislature is expected to convene in Special Session beginning June 1 to consider the  proposal. Because Florida’s property tax structure is largely embedded within the Florida Constitution, any proposed Joint Resolution to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot would require approval by three-fifths (60%) of both the Florida House and Senate before being placed on the November 2026 statewide ballot. Note that the Legislature may consider the governor's proposal as is, amend the proposal or even consider other plans. The governor does not have veto authority over Legislative Joint Resolutions.  

If placed on the ballot, the proposed constitutional amendment would then require approval from at least 60% of Florida voters to take effect. 

The FICPA Governmental Affairs team will continue monitoring developments closely and will review the proposal once formal bill language, fiscal analyses and implementing details are released. Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available.