US EditionFlorida’s Legislative Session Kicks Off Tuesday with Property Taxes Topping the Agenda
Lawmakers prioritize property tax and insurance relief amid a Republican supermajority as the session addresses growth, AI, immigration, and distracted driving legislation.
- On January 13, 2026, Governor Ron DeSantis opened the Florida Legislature session at the State Capitol in Tallahassee, focusing on affordability while lawmakers debated property tax versus insurance reform.
- Facing rising costs, Dirk and Lynn Schmidt, Union County homeowners, say property insurance bills doubled, while Governor Ron DeSantis argued local budgets "have gotten out of hand" as property taxes fund roughly 40 percent of city budgets.
- House Speaker Daniel Perez pushes property-tax cuts after hearing constituents, Senate President Ben Albritton signals a measured approach, and House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell opposes cuts proposing a 30 percent insurance cost reduction compact.
- Over the next 60 days, Florida lawmakers face a session expecting priority bills and floor votes, with any property-tax change requiring voter approval in November; cities warn cuts could threaten essential services.
- DeSantis renewed his call to place a ballot measure to exempt homesteaded properties, while local leaders warned cuts could force cities to raise fees and reduce services.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Desantis Goes to War Against Property Tax in Florida and Calls for Changes to the Local Constitution
The Florida legislature began its 2026 session.On Tuesday, January 13, Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized property tax cuts and new regulations for artificial intelligence. What Ron DeSantis said at the first legislative session on property taxes The governor's sayings took place on the first day of the regular legislative session. There he indicated that, despite highlighting Florida as "the freest state" in the United States, citizens face incre…
Rural Renaissance, property taxes, and a DeSantis tribute: Albritton delivers opening day remarks
Sen. Ben Albritton delivers opening day remarks ahead of the 2026 session. (Photo by Liv Caputo/Florida Phoenix)Florida Senate President Ben Albritton gaveled in the chamber Tuesday for 2026 legislative session, outlining his priorities of revitalizing rural Florida and cutting costs — while offering a tribute to Gov. Ron DeSantis. It will be DeSantis’ final session as governor, whose tenure Albritton characterized as “unpredictable, surprising,…
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