During a recent stop in Jacksonville, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis outlined a new initiative aimed at easing the property tax burden on homeowners across the state. Speaking alongside Senator Blaise Ingoglia and a group of residents, DeSantis emphasized the growing challenges facing Florida homeowners amid rising real estate prices and escalating tax obligations.
As part of his proposal, DeSantis is advocating for a one-time rebate of $1,000 to be distributed to all full-time homeowners in Florida. This measure is designed to provide immediate financial relief, especially for those who have been hit hardest by the surge in property values and related taxes.
“For families buying a home at today’s median price, the tax bill can be overwhelming,” DeSantis said. “Compared to the national average, the numbers just don’t add up for many Floridians trying to make ends meet.”
Over the past several years, Florida has seen a significant influx of new residents, which has contributed to a spike in property values. In some areas, property prices have tripled within just five years. As a result, many longtime homeowners are finding themselves saddled with rising tax bills despite having paid off their mortgages long ago.
“This is supposed to be your private property,” DeSantis stated. “Yet, even after 50 years, you still have to keep paying the government just to live in your own home.”
The governor voiced his frustration with resistance from the Florida House regarding his tax reform plans, arguing that the current system is unsustainable—especially for individuals on fixed incomes or those who have lived in their homes for decades. According to DeSantis, homeownership should not come with a perpetual financial penalty.
Senator Ingoglia echoed these concerns, highlighting that some local governments have expanded their budgets by as much as 60% to 120% through increased property tax collections. “It’s unfair,” he said. “If you’ve lived in your home for 30 years, you shouldn’t have to continue paying just to stay there. That’s not true ownership.”
Beyond the immediate rebate checks, DeSantis is proposing a longer-term solution: an amendment to the Florida Constitution that would eliminate property taxes for lifelong homeowners. This initiative would be placed on the ballot in 2026, giving voters the power to decide whether those who have maintained long-term residency should be exempt from ongoing property tax obligations.
DeSantis stressed that property taxes should not threaten someone’s ability to remain in their home. “You should never be forced to sell your home because you can’t keep up with taxes,” he said. “That’s not the kind of future we want for Floridians.”
If approved by the Florida Legislature, the governor’s proposed $1,000 tax rebates could be issued to eligible homeowners by the end of 2025. This step would mark the beginning of a broader effort to reduce financial strain and enhance the sense of security for property owners across the state.
While the proposal is still in its early stages, it signals a clear shift in how Florida may approach housing affordability and taxation moving forward. As DeSantis continues to push for reform, all eyes will be on the state legislature—and, eventually, the voters—to determine the future of property taxation in the Sunshine State.
