DeSantis’ property tax plan is different than what was described

New legislation filed in the Senate Thursday doesn’t quite match how Gov. Ron DeSantis described his property tax proposal during a lengthy news conference in Tampa Wednesday.

Senate Joint Resolution 2F, is offered by Miami Republican Sen. Bryan Avila and contains the proposal the governor’s office sent to the Senate. The joint resolution would increase the state’s homestead property tax reduction to $150,000 beginning Jan. 1, 2027, and to $250,000 beginning Jan. 1, 2028.

There is no reference in 2F to the $500,000 homestead exemption that DeSantis said was the ultimate goal of his proposal — although he said the Legislature would set the timeline to take it to the full $500,000.

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Instead of capping the exemption at $500,000, SJR 2F would authorize the Legislature to pass a general law that lays out the procedure for counties, municipalities, and school districts to increase the homestead exemption “up to all remaining assessed valuation.”

Although DeSantis said he’d establish a trust fund to ensure public schools, now funded in part by property taxes collected by local governments, continue to be adequately funded, the Florida Education Association has expressed concerns with the governor’s plan.

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The governor said in his press conference that the caps on future assessments would apply to small businesses, but that is not the case in the letter of the legislation.

SJR 2F caps assessed value increases for all non-homestead properties, such as rental properties, second homes and vacation homes, vacant land or lots, and commercial real estate like retail shopping centers and office buildings. There is no reference in SJR 2F to “small businesses.”

 SJR 2F immediately caps the assessment amount at no more than 10% over the prior year’s assessment and no more than 5% over the previous year’s assessments beginning Jan 1, 2027.

However, the cap does not apply to taxes paid to school districts.

Senate President Ben Albritton quickly issued a public statement thanking the governor for the proposal, noting that it’s been his goal as Senate leader to give voters the opportunity to reduce their property taxes.

“In my view, the proposal the Governor explained today does that. I can’t think of a more meaningful way to celebrate America’s 250 then the passage of $250,000 in tax relief for every Florida homeowner,” he said.

“I believe this amendment will provide meaningful relief for Florida families, while protecting businesses from extreme tax increases and safeguarding local funding for public safety, education and our clean water infrastructure.”