Florida Senate

Florida lawmakers passed a plan to place property tax cuts on the November ballot, increasing homestead exemptions from $50,000 to $250,000. The bill protects school funding and removes provisions for a trust fund for struggling counties and voter outreach funding, with critics questioning the rushed timeline and potential government service shortfalls.

Florida lawmakers are considering Governor Ron DeSantis' proposal to exempt up to $250,000 of a home's taxable value for homesteaded properties, aiming to eliminate property taxes for 60% of homeowners. Critics warn cities may struggle to fund services like fire and police departments, while DeSantis claims a state trust fund would address this. The proposal requires three-fifths approval from the Florida House and Senate and 60% voter approval if placed on the November ballot.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis introduced an online calculator to estimate home property tax savings under a new proposal. The plan would exempt up to $250,000 of a home's value from taxes, requiring legislative approval to appear on the November ballot. Critics argue the proposal is a diluted version of DeSantis' promise to eliminate homestead property taxes.

U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson announced she will not run for re-election in 2025, citing strategic considerations related to Florida’s new congressional map. Wilson, who has represented parts of North Miami-Dade and south Broward since 2010, previously served in the Florida House, Florida Senate, and Miami-Dade School Board. Democratic State Sen. Shevrin Jones and GOP Rep. Carlos Giménez praised her legislative work.

Florida Education Association President Andrew Spar criticized Gov. Ron DeSantis' proposal to increase the homestead property tax exemption, warning it would jeopardize school funding. The plan, which would exempt $150,000 of a homestead's value from taxes in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, could reduce local revenue critical for schools, which rely on 46% of the Florida Education Finance Program from local funding. DeSantis proposed a trust fund to offset the impact, but the Florida House's similar amendment failed to advance in the Senate.

Gov. Ron DeSantis proposed a homestead property tax exemption plan that could reduce local government funding for schools, healthcare, and public safety. The plan requires legislative approval and voter support, with exemptions increasing to $250,000 or $500,000. It would immediately benefit 28% of homestead parcels and 76% if the exemption is raised to $500,000.

A Florida judge upheld a new House map passed by Republican lawmakers, which could add four Republican seats. The map was approved by GOP supermajorities in the State House and Senate at the urging of Governor Ron DeSantis.

Florida House and Senate budget writers reached agreements on a $50 million investment for a Tampa Bay Rays stadium, pay raises for state employees, and an emergency fund. They did not resolve funding for Medicaid and other healthcare programs, which account for 47% of the state budget. The deal includes $250 million for the emergency fund and $40 million for the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund.

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.

Florida Democratic Rep. Angie Nixon caused chaos during a legislative vote by grabbing a bullhorn to protest a redistricting bill backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, claiming it was unconstitutional. The bill passed 83-28 in the Florida House and is expected to favor Republicans, potentially securing them four additional congressional seats. DeSantis defended the redistricting as addressing population growth and fair representation.

The Florida House advanced a new congressional map proposed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, which could give the GOP up to four additional seats. The map now moves to the Florida Senate, where it is expected to be approved.