DeSantis to Call Special Session to Implement $250,000 Tax Exemption

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday that he will call a special legislative session within the next two months to enact the property tax cut approved by voters Tuesday evening.

Speaking at a press conference in the state Capitol, DeSantis said the session will take place before his second term concludes in early January. He stated that he will work with the Legislature to determine the exact timing of the meetings.

Amendment 3, which received 62 percent of the vote, exceeds the 60 percent threshold required to become law. The measure raises the homestead property tax exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and to $250,000 in 2028. DeSantis said the special session will set the schedule for these further exemptions and limit local governments from taxing residents through other methods to offset the loss of revenue.

The Florida Legislature previously placed the tax cut on the ballot during a special session in the summer but excluded school districts from the larger exemption. DeSantis hinted that the Legislature might consider changes to the Florida Education Finance Program, the state's funding formula for K-12 public schools, next year after he leaves office. He suggested a rewrite could provide strong funding for schools while still offering relief to homeowners.

School districts have faced financial pressure in recent years due to record-low birth rates and the expansion of school vouchers, which have led to lower enrollment, school closures, and budget cuts. Governor-elect Byron Donalds told the News Service of Florida last week that he plans to change how the FEFP funds public schools to give districts more flexibility. Donalds said he wants districts to determine how they pay teachers and what programs they implement.

Amendment 3 faced opposition from various groups, including firefighters, police, emergency medical technicians, and local government officials. These groups argued the tax cut was too drastic for rural counties to absorb without affecting essential services. DeSantis toured the state for more than a year to advocate for slashing property tax bills as valuations rose. He credited the measure for driving high Republican turnout, which helped the GOP keep control of the Cabinet even as other red states flipped to Democratic candidates.