DeSantis proposes constitutional amendment to phase out Florida property taxes

Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled a proposal to eliminate local property taxes in Florida, a sweeping plan that would require voter approval and fundamentally alter how local governments and schools are funded in the state.

The Republican governor is working with House Speaker Daniel Perez to advance the initiative, which would replace property tax revenue primarily through higher sales taxes and other revenue sources, according to the proposal. The plan marks one of the most significant proposed changes to Florida's tax structure in decades.

To move forward, the Florida Legislature must first pass a joint resolution that would place a constitutional amendment on the 2026 ballot. If approved by lawmakers, Florida voters would then need to support the measure with at least 60% approval for it to take effect.

Details of the proposal remain under negotiation with the Florida Senate, according to state officials. The discussions center on how to replace billions of dollars in property tax revenue that currently funds essential services including public schools, law enforcement, fire departments and infrastructure maintenance.

Property taxes currently serve as the primary funding mechanism for Florida's 67 counties, hundreds of municipalities and 67 school districts. The proposed phase-out would require establishing alternative revenue streams to maintain these services without disrupting local government operations.

The shift toward increased sales taxes would represent a fundamental change in Florida's tax policy. Sales taxes are generally considered more volatile than property taxes, as they fluctuate with consumer spending and economic conditions. Property taxes, by contrast, provide more stable and predictable revenue for local governments and school districts.

The proposal comes as Florida has experienced significant increases in property values in recent years, leading to higher tax bills for homeowners despite existing caps on assessment increases for primary residences. The state has no personal income tax, making property and sales taxes critical components of government funding.

If the Legislature approves the joint resolution during the current or a future session before 2026, Florida voters would face a decision that could reshape local government finance for generations. The 60% threshold for constitutional amendments in Florida is higher than the simple majority required in many other states.

The governor's office has not yet released a timeline for when the Legislature might vote on the resolution or provided detailed projections on how much sales taxes would need to increase to offset eliminated property tax revenue.