While the special session gets underway, city and county leaders on the First Coast are already sharing their concerns with the governor’s property tax proposal.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As Florida lawmakers begin a special session this week, local government leaders across the First Coast are raising concerns about Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposal to significantly expand the state’s homestead exemption and reduce property taxes.

Jacksonville City Council auditors estimate the city could lose hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue if the proposal is approved by the Legislature and later by voters in a November referendum. Officials in Clay County are also informing residents about potential impacts on public safety and public services.

DeSantis’ proposal would raise Florida’s homestead exemption from its current level of $50,000 to $250,000 by 2028.

According to Duval County Property Appraiser Joyce Morgan, property taxes are calculated by multiplying a home’s taxable value by millage rates established by local governments. Homeowners can reduce their home’s assessed value through exemptions.

“If you own a home here in Duval County and it’s your permanent residence, that’s where you reside, that’s where you call home, not your second home, but your primary residence, then you have the option and you have the, I would say, maybe the privilege and the right to get a $25,000 homestead exemption. And then you also have the right to perhaps get a total of $50,000 for your homestead exemption,” Morgan said.

Under the current homestead exemption structure, a home with an assessed value of $350,000 that qualifies for the exemption pays roughly $5,300 in property taxes. Under the governor’s proposal, those taxes would be reduced to approximately $1,700.

The Florida Association of Counties has released estimates showing significant reductions in local government revenue if the proposal takes effect.

According to those estimates:

Nassau County would lose roughly $28 million.Clay County would lose approximately $43 million.St. Johns County would lose about $60 million.Duval County would experience the largest reduction, losing nearly $223 million in revenue next fiscal year.

Incoming Jacksonville City Council President Nick Howland said city leaders will closely examine next year’s budget in response to the proposal.

“We’ve gotta make sure that we’re focused on spending on the core, and then anything else that we can cut, we can cut. It doesn’t mean that we’re spending less money on what matters, it probably means we’re focusing the money on spending where it does matter,” Howland explained.

Clay County officials are also warning residents about the proposal’s potential consequences.

In a notice distributed Monday, county administrators said Clay County already collects less revenue per person than most Florida counties, ranking 51st out of 67 counties in spending despite having the state’s 25th-largest population.

County officials said the proposal could have widespread impacts, including reductions in first responders, road maintenance and improvements, public health services, animal control and community programs.

State Rep. Kim Kendall said she plans to closely evaluate any proposal that reaches the ballot.

“I’m gonna look at if there is something placed on the ballot on November, is it going to hurt our critical services, then, of course, I’m not gonna vote for it,” Kendall said.

Since announcing the special session, DeSantis has launched a website called Save Our Homes Florida, where residents can estimate their property tax savings under the proposed $250,000 homestead exemption.

Lawmakers have until Wednesday to approve a plan.