SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – Florida lawmakers opened their 2026 legislative session with a clear focus on affordability, as Governor Ron DeSantis used his eighth and final state of the state address to push for eliminating property taxes for homeowners.
“The legislature has the ability to place a measure on the ballot to provide transformational relief for taxpayers,” DeSantis said during his address at the Capitol. “You should be able to own your home without paying perpetual rent to the government.”
The governor’s proposal would eliminate the non-school portion of property taxes on homesteads, requiring a constitutional amendment that voters would decide in November. Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Daniel Perez also noted the need to address affordability without outlining specific plans.
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Tensions between Republican leaders carried over from last year’s extended session. Speaker Perez said he needs to see action from Senate President Albritton after the Senate backed out of budget negotiations last year. DeSantis did not shake Perez’s hand at the state of the state address, which the speaker noted afterward.
“The Senate left them out on the beach when they did the veto overrides last year,” Perez said when asked about potential veto overrides this session.
Albritton said he considers Perez a friend, while Perez said adamantly that relations are not fine between the chambers.
Local governments across the state expressed concerns about potential budget cuts if property taxes are eliminated. Many counties and cities rely on property taxes for half or more of their revenue.
Tallahassee’s mayor said the city would cut parks departments and community centers under the proposal. The cost of essential services has increased significantly, with fire trucks that once cost under $1 million now costing much more due to inflation and supply chain delays.
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DeSantis’ budget proposal includes backfill funding for some local government services, though it would not take effect until after the November election.
The Senate passed the Rural Renaissance bill for the second year, a comprehensive economic development package for rural counties. The legislation creates opportunities to expand education, increase healthcare services and modernize commerce in rural areas.
“Florida agriculture matters, and that is a fact,” Albritton said. The bill also invests in farm-to-market roads to support Florida’s agricultural supply chain.
The House killed the bill last year after budget negotiations broke down. A similar House bill has not been scheduled for a hearing this session.
DeSantis said he would sign the bill if it reaches his desk. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins plans to use the legislation as a national model for rural development across the United States.
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The House passed several bills this week that the Senate has not taken up, including reducing the age to buy long guns back to 18 and requiring E-Verify for employers. The age limit was raised to 21 after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting.
Democratic leaders said they expect another unpredictable session as Republicans work through internal disagreements.
“It is very clear that they are not in alignment and the Republicans are fighting,” said a Democratic leader. “And when that happens, you know, the people lose.”
DeSantis called on lawmakers to put their differences aside and work together to get legislation passed in the 60-day session.
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