DeSantis Keeps Homestead Property Tax Relief Plan Under Wraps

Governor says he's waiting for the 'right moment' to unveil his proposal, frustrating lawmakers and residents.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:53pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of a single-story house in a residential neighborhood, with warm sunlight casting long shadows across the scene, conveying the quiet contemplation and unresolved tensions surrounding property tax policy in Florida.The heated debate over property tax relief in Florida exposes the political tensions and financial complexities surrounding this issue for homeowners and local governments.Today in Tampa

Gov. Ron DeSantis has indicated he plans to propose reducing taxes on homestead properties in Florida, but he's keeping the details of his plan under wraps until he deems the 'moment is ripe.' This has frustrated lawmakers and residents, who are unsure of what relief may be coming and when.

Why it matters

Property taxes have become a major burden for many Florida homeowners, especially those with homesteads. DeSantis' reluctance to share his plan has left the public and legislators in the dark about potential relief, making it difficult for them to plan or advocate for their interests.

The details

DeSantis has said he's holding back on offering his own proposal to reduce homestead property taxes until the 'moment is ripe.' A special legislative session is now scheduled for the last week of April to address other issues, but property tax relief is not on the agenda. Some Republican lawmakers have expressed frustration, with one even attempting a citizen initiative to remove all property taxes by 2028. DeSantis has indicated his plan would be phased in to allow local governments to adjust, and he's willing to provide grants to ease the transition. However, critics argue that the cost would ultimately be passed on to renters and businesses.

  • In March, DeSantis said he's waiting for the 'right moment' to unveil his property tax relief proposal.
  • A special legislative session is scheduled for the last week of April, but property taxes are not on the agenda.
  • The deadline for the Legislature to approve a constitutional amendment for the November ballot is unknown.

The players

Ron DeSantis

The Governor of Florida who is planning to propose property tax relief, but has not yet released the details of his plan.

Dianne Hart-Lowman

A Democratic state representative from Tampa who expressed frustration about the lack of information on DeSantis' property tax proposal.

Ryan Chamberlin

A Republican state representative from Belleview who has attempted a citizen initiative to remove all property taxes in Florida by 2028.

Berny Jacques

A Republican state representative from Seminole who insists property tax relief must be passed this year.

Jeff Brandes

A former Republican state senator who argues DeSantis is intentionally keeping his property tax plan under wraps.

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What they’re saying

“We really don't know where we are on property taxes, but I'm looking forward to talking about it because I really need our communities to understand what it's all about.”

— Dianne Hart-Lowman, State Representative

“We did our job in the House in the regular session by passing a measure that would make that a reality. It's now time for everyone to come to the table so we can finalize a relief measure that we can send to the voters this year.”

— Berny Jacques, State Representative

“I think the strategy is not to give people a chance to evaluate this.”

— Jeff Brandes, Former State Senator

What’s next

The deadline for the Legislature to approve a constitutional amendment for the November ballot is unknown, leaving residents and lawmakers uncertain about when any potential property tax relief may be implemented.

The takeaway

DeSantis' reluctance to share details of his property tax relief plan has created frustration and uncertainty among lawmakers and Florida residents, who are unsure of what relief may be coming and when. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for the public to plan or advocate for their interests.