🏛️ Who: Governor Ron DeSantis, the Florida Legislature, and the Florida League of Cities
📜 What: A Special Session focused on proposed property tax changes and a higher homestead exemption
📅 When: The Special Session begins Monday, June 1, 2026
📍 Where: Tallahassee and municipalities across Florida
⚠️ Why: Cities fear that major cuts to local revenue could impact police, fire, infrastructure, and public services
Florida’s cities are preparing for a major political and financial fight after Governor Ron DeSantis called a Special Session beginning June 1 to address sweeping changes to the state’s property tax system.
According to the Florida League of Cities, the Governor’s proposal could dramatically reshape how local governments are funded by increasing the homestead exemption to $250,000, a move supporters say would eliminate property taxes for roughly 60% of Florida homeowners.
The proposal would still need approval from the Florida Legislature before heading to voters on the November ballot.
The announcement has already sparked concern among municipal leaders across the state, who warn the changes could significantly reduce funding for essential local services.
“Property taxes account for approximately 43% of municipal general fund revenue and remain the most stable, locally controlled funding source for Florida’s cities,” the Florida League of Cities said in a legislative alert sent Wednesday afternoon.
League officials cautioned that reducing that revenue without a replacement funding source could affect police departments, fire services, emergency response, infrastructure projects, parks, and other city operations.
Governor DeSantis formally called the Special Session this week and is expected to push lawmakers to quickly consider the proposal once legislators return to Tallahassee on Monday.
The Florida League of Cities is urging local officials to contact lawmakers and oppose the measure unless lawmakers can guarantee a sustainable alternative funding source.
“Any changes to this system – particularly without a clear, sustainable replacement – could impact core services,” the organization warned.
The League has also launched a statewide outreach effort, distributing a Property Tax Toolkit containing talking points, city-level data, videos, and messaging materials in English, Spanish, and Creole.
Municipal leaders are expected to spend the coming weeks lobbying legislators as debate intensifies over one of the most consequential proposed changes to Florida’s tax structure in years.
The Special Session begins June 1 in Tallahassee.
