TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Tallahassee has two opposing plans, including tax cuts.
Gov. Ron Desantis is calling for a reduction or elimination of property taxes. State lawmakers have finalised plans for a budget that will involve cutting the state’s sales tax.
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During a roundtable meeting in Southernpa on Wednesday, DeSantis suggested that state legislators do two things related to property taxes before the extension session ends.
“I proposed, we have money to fully fund our education budget,” DeSantis said. “This year we can send you a property tax rebate. We will do it just for Floridians in our homestead. We are not going to do it for Snowbirds.”
The governor said many homeowners could get a rebate between $300 and $1,000 by December this year if approved by lawmakers. He also urged lawmakers to place language in the November 2026 vote, cutting or eliminating property taxes entirely.
“This is really a way that we have to do that by constitutional amendments to provide protection to homeowners. All of this is very viable,” DeSantis said.
If voters approve it, it could force county and city leaders to make major changes before 2027. Previously, elected officials from local governments in Tampa Bay have expressed concerns about how to bridge the gap in critical services if they are forced to cut or eliminate the main sources of their budget.
“We can leave our customers coming in the bank,” DeSantis said. “We can clearly see the spending, but we can also transfer taxes to non-residents. That’s very easy.”
The governor said large counties like Pinellas could easily transfer tax burdens to tourists and seasonal residents for budgetary purposes. For small, rural counties, the governor says the state can help.
Tampa Bay County leaders have not responded to requests for comment on the governor’s ideas.
State lawmakers are expected to continue their budget next week. This includes plans to reduce sales tax. Desantis disagrees with this effort.
“The average Floridian would save a whopping $47 if he did that,” DeSantis said.
Florida State Speaker Daniel Perez previously spoke about plans for the Capitol before reaching a deal with the Senate.
“A real $5 billion cut is coming back to people in a way that has never been done in the state before. It’s the first time,” Perez said.
The Capitol recently launched a 37-member committee to consider whether property tax reductions or eliminations are feasible. However, the decision will be discussed in the next regular session.
Regarding discussions on sales tax reductions, the governor suggests plans to reject the plan.
“The ‘Florida’s last’ tax package will die upon arrival. We are not going to kneel at the ability to provide you with property tax relief.
At present, it is unclear whether property owners will see sales or property tax relief.
