![\"Florida](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/MIA_11_Florida_Legislation_Session_2026_MJO.JPG\" "\\"Florida")
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis delivers his State of the State address during the first day of the legislative session at the Florida State Capitol on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, in Tallahassee, Fla.<\/p>\n
Photo by Matias J. Ocner<\/p>\n
mocner@miamiherald.com<\/p>\n
Gov. Ron DeSantis has launched a calculator that encourages homeowners to estimate how much they could save on their tax bills should the state Legislature and Florida voters bless his plan to cut property taxes\u2014 though much about his proposal remains unclear and unsettled.<\/p>\n
READ MORE: Contradictions and confusion: Questions surround DeSantis\u2019 property tax plan<\/a><\/p>\n The proposal<\/p>\n DeSantis announced Wednesday that he wants voters to consider a constitutional amendment on the November ballot<\/a> that would lower taxes for homeowners by significantly reducing the taxable value of their homes.<\/p>\n Under the proposal submitted to lawmakers this week for their blessing, Florida\u2019s homestead exemption for owner-occupied homes would rise from $50,000 to $250,000 in 2028. Beyond that, the Legislature would be required to give local governments the ability to increase the exemption.<\/p>\n The calculator<\/p>\n The calculator<\/a>, unveiled Saturday by the state and available at saveourhomesfl.com, shows a property owner\u2019s estimated 2025 tax bill, the projected tax bill under a homestead exemption of up to $250,000 and estimated annual savings. It also includes an estimate of potential additional savings if further relief is approved through state law for properties valued up to $500,000, though the bill before the Legislature does not guarantee the exemption will reach that level.<\/p>\n The estimate is not a guarantee. It\u2019s possible the proposed amendment will change before reaching the ballot as it makes its way through the Florida Legislature. Before reaching voters, the proposal must receive 60% approval from the Legislature. It would then need support from at least 60% of Florida voters in the November election.<\/p>\n Criticisms<\/p>\n The calculator is part of an effort to build support for the governor\u2019s proposal and push back against criticisms, particularly over its potential impact on local government finances. The governor wants the state to spend more than $5 million<\/a> promoting the Save Our Homes website and calculator.<\/p>\n Critics warn that local governments could lose tens of billions of dollars in revenue, potentially leading to cuts in funding for schools, fire departments, and other public services, or even the introduction of fees for amenities such as public parks.<\/p>\n DeSantis has rejected those concerns, arguing that the proposal would force local governments to spend taxpayer dollars more efficiently. His proposal would also restrict what cities, counties, school districts and other taxing agencies can spend property taxes on to \u201ccore services.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLess government money = less opportunity for special interests. This plan gives power back to voters to decide,\u201d reads a \u201cMyth vs. Fact\u201d section on the calculator\u2019s website.<\/p>\n This story was originally published May 30, 2026 at 11:51 AM.<\/p>\n