TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida Legislature started a special legislative session on Monday in Tallahassee to consider the details behind Gov. Ron DeSantis’s proposed property tax cut on homesteads.

On May 27, DeSantis called for state lawmakers, a Republican majority, to pass a ballot measure to raise the state’s $50,000 homestead exemptions to $250,000.

“With five-days notice and a 72-hour session, this legislature is being asked to dramatically reshape our entire state financial landscape,” Florida Sen. Lori Berman said during a news conference.

Florida Rep. Ashley Gantt was among the Democrats who did not support it. Some have concerns about local governments’ services, and public schools suffering budget shortfalls as a result of the revenue loss.

“They’re still getting a lot of money, way more than they did seven years ago,” DeSantis said on May 27 about property values increasing.

The Florida Senate Appropriations Committee approved an amendment on Monday to secure funding for the state’s public school districts.

“I personally would like to see a school carve out,” Republican Florida Rep. Alex Rizo said, adding that some of his colleagues shared his position.

DeSantis suggested that the exemption not apply to homeowners who move to Florida after November until they have established residency for five years.

The plan would include a constitutional amendment on the November ballot. It has to be approved by at least 60% of the state’s voters.

Related report

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Torres contributed to this report from Miami.

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Senate appropriations committee approves amendment to secure schools’ funding

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Glenna Milberg

Andrea Torres