Florida Legislature

Ron DeSantis will not campaign for a property tax amendment approved by the Florida Legislature because it does not align with his original proposal. The legislature's version includes key elements like increasing the homestead exemption but omits provisions such as funding for schools and a $500,000 exemption cap. DeSantis supports the approved plan but calls it less comprehensive than his initial vision.

A campaign led by Bryan Desloge, Stop Unfair Tax Shifts, opposes Florida's Amendment 3, which would increase homestead property tax exemptions. The amendment, approved by the Florida Legislature, could reduce local government property tax revenue by billions, prompting concerns over potential service cuts or tax shifts.

Six Florida House Republicans opposed a bipartisan housing bill following President Trump's cancellation of a signing ceremony, as he demanded Congress prioritize the SAVE America Act. The SAVE Act requires proof of U.S. citizenship and photo ID for voting, and the six GOP members, including Anna Paulina Luna and Randy Fine, pledged to block legislation until the Senate approves it. The Senate has not passed the act due to insufficient support.

Paul Renner, a Republican gubernatorial candidate, criticizes the GOP’s proposed property tax amendment for delaying tax reductions and removing key provisions from Governor Ron DeSantis’ plan. Renner advocates for immediate tax cuts through his 'Florida First Affordability Plan,' which includes exemptions for homeowners and non-housing properties, funded by real estate transaction fees.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis plans to call a special legislative session in fall 2026 to reintroduce portions of his property tax cut proposal if a constitutional amendment passes in November. The amendment, which increases homestead exemptions and limits future tax assessments, was modified by the Legislature to exclude school tax impacts and remove provisions like a $500,000 exemption cap and a state trust fund for local governments.

Darryl Rouson, a state senator from Tampa Bay, announced he will not run for the Florida House District 62 seat this year and will step down after 18 years in the legislature. He will take a position at New College of Florida. Rouson, who served in both the House and Senate, is term-limited from his Senate seat and had considered running for the House seat.

Shevrin Jones filed to run for Congressional District 24 to succeed Frederica Wilson, who announced her retirement. Jones, a former state senator, is among several candidates vying for the Democratic primary in the district, which remains a key Democratic-leaning area after recent redistricting.

Democratic Rep. Lindsay Cross announced she will not run for re-election in HD 60, which includes parts of St. Petersburg and Pinellas Park. She highlighted her work on infrastructure, water quality, and affordable housing, and endorsed attorney Lindsay Polega-Quigley as her successor. Cross opposed a state property tax cut and the 2026-27 budget despite securing funding for local stormwater projects.

Florida homeowners may receive a major tax break through a constitutional amendment backed by DeSantis, which will be on the November 2026 general election ballot. However, the amendment includes a catch for newcomers to the state.

The estimated taxable value in Miami-Dade County for 2026 is $540.7 billion, reflecting a 5.5% growth rate this year, down from 8.7% in 2025 and 12% in 2024. Florida Legislature approved a property tax cut plan raising homestead exemptions to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, excluding school district levies, requiring 60% voter approval in November.

Florida Legislature approved a constitutional amendment proposal to limit property taxes for cities and counties, excluding public schools. The measure requires 60% voter approval in November. Changes to the original plan include exemptions for school funding and mandatory spending on local government officials and Medicaid programs.

House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton delivered contrasting parting messages to the Florida Legislature during its final meeting of the 2024-2026 term. The session, focused on Governor Ron DeSantis' property tax reduction plan, was marked by GOP infighting over budget negotiations, immigration, artificial intelligence, and school vouchers. The House did not pass Albritton’s 'Rural Renaissance' infrastructure and education package.

The Florida Legislature has approved Gov. Ron DeSantis' proposal to allow voters to decide whether to end property taxes. Florida voters will have this opportunity in November, potentially making Florida the first state to eliminate property taxes.

The Florida Legislature revised Gov. Ron DeSantis' property tax plan to exempt funds for public schools and local government agencies, despite opposition from Republicans and Democrats. The proposal faces criticism from groups like the Florida Association of Counties, which warns it could lead to city bankruptcies and county consolidations.

The Florida Legislature approved a property tax cut proposal during a special session, which will appear on the November ballot requiring 60% voter approval. The plan increases homestead exemptions to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, excludes school district levies, and lowers annual assessment caps for non-homestead properties. Lawmakers added protections for public school funding and removed a trust fund for rural areas, while Democrats criticized the measure as a threat to local governments.

Florida Legislature is in a special session to address Gov. Ron DeSantis's proposed property tax cut, which aims to increase homestead exemptions from $50,000 to $250,000. The plan includes a constitutional amendment requiring 60% voter approval and a residency rule for new homeowners, while concerns about budget shortfalls for schools and local services have been raised. The Senate Appropriations Committee approved an amendment to secure funding for public school districts.

The U.S. Supreme Court's conservative majority weakened Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, enabling gerrymandering to dilute Black voting power. Republican-led states, including Florida, are exploiting the ruling to redraw congressional districts, risking the loss of Congressional Black Caucus members and undermining minority representation.

The Florida Legislature approved a $114.5 billion budget for fiscal years 2026-27, with Republicans highlighting reduced spending and Democrats criticizing insufficient support for schools, healthcare, and the environment. The budget includes a $300 million tax cut package, $4 million for the Groveland Four, and $250 million for an emergency fund linked to immigration enforcement. A property tax debate is set for a special session, with Governor Ron DeSantis proposing increased homestead exemptions facing opposition from local governments, education groups, and businesses.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis discussed immigration enforcement at the Everglades Detention Center, referred to as 'Alligator Alcatraz,' and promoted his 'Save Our Homes' property tax plan during a stop in Davie. He stated the detention facility is not intended to be permanent and criticized Biden administration immigration policies. Lawmakers are set to begin a special session on the property tax issue.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis promoted his property tax relief plan and immigration enforcement measures during a visit to Davie. The property tax proposal will be discussed in a legislative special session starting Monday, with potential for a November ballot measure. DeSantis highlighted reduced property taxes for middle-class residents and praised Florida's immigration enforcement, referencing a detention facility that a vendor claims will close soon, though DeSantis denied ordering its closure.

Florida's Legislature passed a tax cut bill (HB 7031E) reducing sales taxes on guns, fishing gear, and tennis tournament tickets, projected to cost $272.2 million in state and local revenue. The bill includes a hunting, fishing, and camping tax holiday and military property tax exemptions, with supporters highlighting tax relief for specific groups and critics arguing it neglects broader affordability issues.

Democratic state Sen. Shevrin Jones announced he will not seek re-election for his Florida Senate District 34 seat. He may consider running in Florida’s 24th Congressional District if Frederica Wilson does not run there, while Sen. Tina Polsky also announced she will not run again for her Senate District 30 seat, prompting Lauren Book to announce her candidacy there.

DeSantis discussed a request for taxpayer-funded security after leaving office, which the Florida Department of Law Enforcement proposed but the Legislature rejected. He warned of upcoming budget vetoes and highlighted concerns about political violence, though the House excluded security funding from the $114.5 billion FY 2026-27 budget.

Florida's Legislature finalized a $115 billion Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget after missing its deadline for the second consecutive year. The budget includes a $150 million tax relief package with exemptions for hurricane-resistant windows/doors and gun accessories like silencers, though gas tax exemptions were excluded despite prior advocacy. Senate President Ben Albritton faced opposition from the NRA over potential changes to suppressor tax exemptions.

Florida legislators have not agreed on the fiscal year 2025-26 budget, delaying decisions on funding for schools, healthcare for the poor, and Everglades restoration. House Speaker Danny Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton have not provided updates, and budget chairs Sen. Ed Hooper and Rep. Lawrence McClure have not held public meetings, raising concerns about meeting the May 29 deadline.

Rep. Byron Donalds, the GOP frontrunner for governor, announced support for growth management in Florida to address infrastructure and quality of life challenges. The Legislature previously blocked local governments from restricting development in areas devastated by Hurricane Ian. Experts remain skeptical about the sincerity of Donalds' commitment to growth management.

Florida's new U.S. House redistricting map, which could help Republicans gain four additional seats, faces its first court challenge Friday on claims it violates the state's constitutional ban on partisan gerrymandering. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of voters, seeks to block the districts from being used in November elections, challenging a map approved by Gov. Ron DeSantis after a swift two-day special legislative session.

The Florida legislature passed a new congressional map proposed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, clearing a key procedural hurdle. The map is expected to influence the state's political landscape in upcoming elections.

Florida's legislature approved a new congressional map designed to enhance Republican advantages in the 2022 midterms, coinciding with the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to roll back a key provision of the Voting Rights Act. The move is part of a national redistricting effort led by Donald Trump, which may limit Democratic challenges to gerrymandered districts affecting voters of color.

Florida's state legislature passed a new congressional map on Wednesday that could enable Republicans to gain up to four additional seats in the upcoming elections.

The Florida Legislature has passed a redistricting plan that adds four GOP-leaning House seats, potentially strengthening Republican representation. The plan was announced under Governor Ron DeSantis, with a Lake Worth location highlighted in 2025.

Florida's redistricting special session under Gov. Ron DeSantis is a critical battleground in the GOP-Democrat fight to control the U.S. House, with pressure to create 3-5 additional right-leaning districts. The session follows Virginia's referendum, which could shift power to Democrats, and faces legal challenges due to Florida's anti-gerrymandering laws.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is using a three-tiered strategy to bypass state laws banning partisan gerrymandering, aiming to create more GOP-friendly congressional districts ahead of the 2026 elections. His approach leverages the 'Purcell Principle,' executive privilege, and secrecy to evade legal challenges, potentially influencing partisan control of Congress. Critics argue this undermines Florida's constitutional ban on partisan intent in redistricting.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis exchanged sharp rhetoric over congressional redistricting, with Jeffries warning of a $20M super PAC targeting Florida Republicans. DeSantis called a special legislative session to redraw district lines in favor of GOP candidates, amid growing pressure from Republicans and a recent Virginia redistricting referendum that could benefit Democrats.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis delayed the state's redistricting special session from next week to April 28–May 1. The rescheduled session will also address artificial intelligence and medical freedom issues.