FLORIDA — The Florida Senate and House of Representatives will reconvene for the second day of a special session called by Governor Ron DeSantis last week.
The session focuses on eliminating property taxes for primary residences to save Florida homeowners money.
During the first day of the session Monday, lawmakers made some changes — including protecting school taxes from being cut and removing $5.5 million the governor had proposed to help county property appraisers inform voters about the measure, if it makes the ballot.
Before lawmakers gaveled in yesterday, DeSantis held an event in Pasco County explaining why he believes this reform is so important.
“We’ve seen a lot of different things, and we’ve done a lot of the things I’ve outlined to make it easier in Florida. But the reality is that the property tax has become a big, big burden for millions of people in this state. Fortunately, because we’ve had success, we have an ability to do something about it. And so that’s what we’re working with the legislature on as they’re in the special session,” said DeSantis.
DeSantis also says he called the special session to do “everything we can to support Floridians.”
The governor’s plan would start with a $150,000 exemption for year one, which increases to $250,000 in the second year. His original proposal would also create a state trust fund to support local governments financially, to ensure that core services aren’t negatively affected.
Several cities and counties are talking about the proposal since property tax is a primary funding source for local governments. Orange, Volusia, and Seminole counties are monitoring the session.
Lawmakers will meet again Tuesday morning, with final votes expected either today or tomorrow. But ultimately, Florida voters would get the final word. Lawmakers can put a measure on the November ballot, but 60% of voters must support it for it to pass.