Florida leaders propose six-year plan to phase out property taxes, ballot measure required

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and legislative allies are promoting a six-year plan that could significantly reduce or eliminate major portions of property taxes statewide, according to state officials. The proposal would require voter approval through a statewide referendum that must reach the ballot before August deadlines.

The initiative represents one of the most ambitious tax overhaul proposals in state history, though details on implementation and revenue replacement remain unclear. State leaders have not specified which portions of property taxes would be eliminated or how the state would compensate for the lost revenue.

Fiscal analysts and local government officials have raised concerns about the financial impact on counties, cities and school districts, which rely heavily on property tax revenue. The plan could affect billions of dollars currently funding essential services across Florida's 67 counties and hundreds of municipalities.

The property tax proposal comes as DeSantis has signed "well over 100" measures into law this year, marking an exceptionally active legislative session. Among those new laws is legislation to substantially increase the homestead property tax exemption starting in 2027 and 2028, already providing some relief to homeowners.

The governor and legislative leaders have not released a comprehensive framework showing how local governments and school districts would replace the lost revenue if voters approve the property tax phase-out. Property taxes traditionally fund schools, law enforcement, fire departments, road maintenance and other core government services.

The proposal requires a constitutional amendment, which Florida law mandates must be approved by 60 percent of voters in a statewide referendum. State officials are working to meet August deadlines to place the measure on an upcoming ballot, though they have not specified which election would include the referendum.

Beyond the property tax initiative, Florida's state government has advanced significant policy changes in recent months. Officials implemented new SNAP eligibility rules set to take effect in 2026, tightening access to food assistance for low-income residents.

The attorney general's office has also issued criminal subpoenas to Roblox, investigating allegations the gaming platform inadequately protects children from predators. At the local level, cities including Winter Park have moved to restrict protests at public facilities such as libraries and event centers.

The property tax phase-out proposal represents a major shift in how Florida would fund state and local government operations, though questions about fiscal sustainability and service delivery remain unanswered as the plan moves toward the ballot.