DeSantis to call special session to implement property tax cut approved by Florida voters

Florida voters approved Amendment 3 with 62% of the vote, increasing the homestead property tax exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and then to $250,000 in 2028, CBS News Miami reported.

Following the vote, Governor Ron DeSantis announced he will convene a special legislative session within the next two months to implement the amendment before his term ends in early January, according to CBS News Miami.

DeSantis said the session will also address limiting local governments from circumventing the amendment by taxing homeowners through other means. He emphasized the importance of setting a schedule for the larger exemptions to benefit homeowners.

The governor hinted at potential changes to the Florida Education Finance Program next year to balance school funding with homeowner tax relief. This comes after recent challenges faced by school districts due to low birth rates, school voucher expansion, and budget cuts.

Governor-elect Byron Donalds has expressed plans to modify the school funding formula to give districts more flexibility in spending, including paying teachers and programming decisions, CBS News Miami reported.