DeSantis’ Property Tax Plan Could Be Unconstitutional. Here’s Why
Plaintiffs say the proposal would cut nearly $14 billion from local budgets in its first two years.
- Governor Ron DeSantis urged courts on Monday to quickly resolve a lawsuit challenging ballot language for a proposed property tax cut, citing the need to finalize ballots for the General Election.
- The group 'Save Our Voters From Misleading Ballot Language, Inc.' sued Secretary of State Cord Byrd and Attorney General James Uthmeier, arguing the HJR 1-F measure is 'biased and thus, does not fairly inform the voter.'
- Plaintiffs contend that if voters approve the amendment, cities and counties will lose nearly $5 billion the first year and nearly $12 billion in the fifth year, draining funds for police, fire, and parks.
- A Leon County judge could order Uthmeier to rewrite the language, as critics argue the measure's promise to 'ensure funding for core services' misleads voters about local municipal financial impact.
- If passed, the amendment would raise the homestead exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 next year and $250,000 in 2028, though the measure requires 60 percent support from voters to pass.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Local governments would lose $5B in first year if Florida's property tax amendment passes
If voters approve the property tax cut on the November ballot, cities, counties and special taxing districts will lose nearly $5 billion the first year, and nearly $12 billion in the fifth year, according to projections developed by state economists Friday. Homestead owners will be the initial beneficiaries of the amendment, but non-homestead owners, including […] The post Local governments would lose $5B in first year if Florida’s property tax …
Local governements would lose $5 billion the first year if Florida's property tax amendment passes
Gray Rohrer ©2026 The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE – If voters approve the property tax cut on the November ballot, cities, counties and special taxing districts will lose nearly $5 billion the first year, and nearly $12 billion in the fifth year, according to projections developed by state economists Friday. Homestead owners will be the initial beneficiaries of the amendment, but non-homestead owners, including businesses and those who o…
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