Gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds likes what he’s hearing from Gov. Ron DeSantis regarding eliminating homestead property taxes, but he wants to make sure essential services aren’t cut.
“I support what the Governor’s position has been about removing homestead property taxes on the people of Florida. The thing we have to make sure we do is when it comes to essential services that have historically been funded by those taxes — talking about Sheriffs, deputies, police officers, firefighters, emergency personnel, road construction, road maintenance. We just want to make sure that that stuff continues to be funded because that’s critical to the very fabric of Florida,” Donalds said on the “Clay and Buck” show.
“So I am fully supportive of it. I look forward to seeing the Governor’s proposal. I anticipate that’s going to come out very, very soon to talk about not just the repeal, but then also the details are on how do you fund some of those key initiatives, like law enforcement, firefighters, emergency personnel.”
DeSantis has said he wants a single ballot measure this Fall, but the Florida House has taken another tack. House Speaker Daniel Perez this month unveiled eight potential constitutional amendments that, if OK’d in the Legislature in the coming Session, would go directly to voters for possible approval in the 2026 election.
The House’s package of joint resolutions, announced Oct. 16, includes measures of varying impact and scope. All would still allow taxes to be collected for schools and police.
One would eliminate property taxes on homesteads immediately and outright, while another would do the same but in phases over a decade. Another proposal would spare seniors over 65 from having to pay taxes on their primary residences.
DeSantis says these pitches are “milquetoast … half-measures.” He previously said that if he didn’t get what he wanted in the regular Legislative Session in 2026, that he would call a Special Session during the stretch run before the August Primary.
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Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics contributed to this report.
