Florida lawmakers move to protect schools from DeSantis’ property tax plan

Florida lawmakers modified Governor Ron DeSantis’ property tax proposal to shield schools and local services from funding cuts. House and Senate committees decided property taxes for schools, clerks of court, and elections supervisors would remain exempt from the governor’s plan, which aims to raise homestead exemptions from $50,000 to $250,000 by 2028. The changes reduce projected homeowner savings, as $14 billion in local revenue—40% from schools—would be lost under the revised amendment. DeSantis’ original plan excluded essential local functions like mosquito control and county elections, prompting lawmakers to restore funding for these services. Legislators also removed misleading language about a state trust fund to help local governments, as the amendment lacks provisions for such a fund. Sen. Erin Grall criticized the omission, calling it a transparency issue. The amendment, titled *Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes*, now specifies property tax funds can only be used for public safety, education, infrastructure, natural resources, local bonds, and retirement benefits. Lawmakers also cut $5.5 million in planned voter notifications about the ballot measure. DeSantis unveiled the plan on Wednesday, calling for an emergency legislative session to pass it. While both parties agree rising property taxes need addressing, lawmakers criticized the rushed timeline. A DeSantis spokesperson did not confirm support for the amendments. The revised proposal still requires 60% voter approval in November to take effect, with homeowners saving thousands on taxes by 2028—though far less than DeSantis’ initial claims.