DeSantis Pushes to Eliminate Florida Property Taxes Through 2026 Ballot Initiative

Florida could become the first state with no property tax on primary homes and no state income tax if governor’s phased plan succeeds

Here’s what to know 👇

Read this if you own property in Florida, follow state-level tax policy, or want to understand the financial implications of Florida’s bold plan.

📍 What Just Happened

Governor Ron DeSantis is backing a sweeping proposal to eliminate property taxes on primary residences in Florida. The plan would go before voters in 2026 and require at least 60 percent approval to pass. Lawmakers are already moving related measures through the state House, and DeSantis is calling for a phased approach that could reshape how Florida funds local government, schools, and infrastructure.

📋 Key Details

Ballot Threshold: The proposal needs 60 percent voter approval in 2026

Primary Focus: Eliminate property taxes only for homesteaded (primary) residences

Other Measures: Package includes a $500,000 homestead exemption, with up to $1 million for seniors, and a cap on assessment increases

Revenue Impact: Property taxes bring in an estimated $55 billion per year

Education Funding: Property taxes fund up to 60 percent of school district budgets

Potential Trade-Off: Some projections suggest the state sales tax could double to 12 percent to offset losses

Phased Rollout: DeSantis indicated the tax cuts would need to be implemented in phases to minimize disruption

📊 Why It Matters

Eliminating property taxes could make Florida even more attractive to retirees and wealthy homeowners, especially those fleeing higher-tax states

Local governments and school districts may be forced to find alternative funding sources or cut services

The measure could ignite debate over state control versus local government autonomy

If successful, Florida would be the first U.S. state to operate without both a personal income tax and a property tax on primary homes

💬 DeSantis' Perspective

"Local property taxes are hurting people," he said, citing sharp rises in home valuations

He blames overspending at the local level for squeezing homeowners

DeSantis argues the state’s rainy-day fund is strong enough to support a transition period

🧠 The Bottom Line

Florida is testing the limits of low-tax governance. The push to eliminate property taxes will energize debates around affordability, fiscal sustainability, and the role of government. If voters approve it, Florida would break new ground in U.S. tax policy. But major questions remain about how cities, counties, and schools will cope with the potential revenue vacuum.