Last Call for 6.16.26 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida

Last Call – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.

— First Shot —

The proposed constitutional amendment aimed at reining in property taxes is officially on its way to the 2026 ballot.

HJR 1-F, dubbed “Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes,” was signed Tuesday by House and Senate officers and filed with Secretary of State Cord Byrd, completing the final procedural step needed to place the measure before voters in November.

Because the proposal is a joint resolution rather than a bill, it does not require Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signature. Under Florida law, constitutional amendments can reach the ballot through several avenues, including legislative referral with a three-fifths vote of both chambers.

The measure emerged from this month’s Special Session on property tax relief, where lawmakers and the Governor spent weeks negotiating competing visions for what voters should be asked to consider.

The final proposal would require future votes of the electorate before local governments could increase property tax collections beyond certain thresholds. Lawmakers ultimately excluded School District property taxes from the amendment, a significant departure from DeSantis’ broader push to provide more sweeping property tax relief.

That carveout prompted criticism from the Governor, who signaled disappointment with the final product even as legislative leaders advanced the measure toward the ballot.

With Tuesday’s filing, the proposal is now formally headed to voters, who will have the final say on whether to amend the state constitution. Constitutional amendments must receive at least 60% voter approval to take effect.

— Evening Reads —

—“The Iran war permanently altered the global economy” via Patricia Cohen of The New York Times

—”Education Dept. plans to move special ed and civil rights out of the agency” via Laura Meckler of The Washington Post

—”Why July 4 turned into a Donald Trump rally” via Jonathan Chait of The Atlantic

—”Traditional home insurance is collapsing. Here’s what could fill the gap” via Katie Thornton of WIRED

—“The job interview is broken. Here’s how AI could actually fix it.” via Ray A. Smith of The Wall Street Journal

—”‘Farce’: Ron DeSantis fumes as Florida GOP snubs his calls for gubernatorial debate” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics

—”‘Prepare to be held accountable’: Gov. DeSantis signs Officer Jason Raynor Act, four other criminal justice bills” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics

—”Jenna Persons-Mulicka moves from leading bills on elections to running them in Lee County” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics

—”‘I just need somebody to help’: What 911 calls reveal about Alligator Alcatraz” via Churchill Ndonwie of the Miami Herald

—“St. Petersburg Sen. Darryl Rouson endorses Ken Welch and Charlie Crist for Mayor” via Colleen Wright of the Tampa Bay Times

— Quote of the Day —

“You don’t want to read ‘War and Peace’ on your ballot, right?”

— Gov. Ron DeSantis, saying the property tax ballot language is not misleading.

— Put it on the Tab —

Look to your left, then look to your right. If you see one of these people at your happy hour haunt, flag down the bartender and put one of these on your tab. Recipes included, just in case the Cocktail Codex fell into the well.

Ship a Slam Dunk to Lakeland, where NBA champion Dennis Hopson has come on board to lead Florida Poly’s first men’s basketball team.

Much to DeSantis’ chagrin, the only Debate expected at the Sunshine State Showdown is made with vodka and lemon juice.

Grab a Three Years for Sen. Tom Leek, whose push to get the Officer Jason Raynor Act on the books is officially complete.