Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday called for the state to eventually phase out property taxes on homesteaded homes, starting by asking voters in a November ballot referendum to raise the homestead exemption to $250,000.
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“That’s the best way that we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of people in trying to make ends meet,” DeSantis said during a Wednesday morning press conference at a Tampa Bay hotel. He stood behind a sign that read “Save Our Homes.”
To begin tackling the issue, DeSantis said he has called a special session of the Florida Legislature to start Monday in Tallahassee.
The ballot question would also ask voters if the homestead exemption should eventually be hiked to $500,000. That would eliminate property taxes for roughly 92% of homeowners with a homesteaded property, but only for those who own a home at the time it goes into effect.
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Currently, an estimated 5.1 million taxpayers have homestead exemptions on their primary residence that give them a break on their taxes and limits future increases, according to the state Department of Revenue.
Cities and counties use those taxes to pay for police, fire and other municipal services.
The governor needs 60% of the legislature to approve placing the proposal on the statewide ballot for the Nov. 3 general election. The ballot question would then require approval by 60% of voters.
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