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FLORIDA - As Florida homeowners struggle with rising property taxes, tensions mount between lawmakers and Governor DeSantis, who declined to present his plan for relief as legislators explore a potential statewide tax overhaul.
As property taxes continue to surge across Florida, lawmakers are seeking clear answers, and action.
The House Property Tax Committee recently invited Governor Ron DeSantis to present his vision for long-term tax relief, hoping to collaborate on meaningful solutions for residents facing financial strain.
Co-chair Rep. Toby Overdorf (R-Palm City) said the committee is collecting ideas from all sides and remains open to exploring every option.
“Everything is on the table right now,” he stated.
However, tensions are escalating between the legislative branch and the governor.
While DeSantis has publicly criticized lawmakers for failing to act, he declined the committee’s invitation, saying, “That’s not the role of the chief executive.”
His suggestion of $1,000 rebate checks to homeowners was swiftly rejected by House Speaker Daniel Perez, who argued that one-time payments do nothing to address the core issue: high tax rates driven by local spending.
Speaker Perez also called out the governor’s refusal to engage in conversation, asking reporters, “What is it? Is he scared of having the tough conversation?”
Meanwhile, local governments are wary.
Property taxes fund key services like fire departments, libraries, and law enforcement.
Cragin Mosteller of the Florida Association of Counties stressed the need for lawmakers to understand the nuances of local communities before implementing broad reforms.
The House committee plans to meet across the state this summer, gathering input ahead of a potential constitutional amendment this fall aimed at overhauling Florida’s property tax system.