Florida Launches 'Save Our Homes' Tax Savings Calculator
Florida homeowners can now estimate exactly how much they might save under Governor Ron DeSantis’ proposed property tax overhaul. On Saturday, May 30, 2026, the governor announced the launch of an official online calculator via the "Save Our Homes" website. The tool asks users to enter their home address to see their 2025 estimated taxes, the taxes they would owe under a proposed $250,000 homestead exemption, and their annual savings.
DeSantis posted the link on X, accompanied by a quote: "Truly owning private property should not mean perpetually paying rent to the government." The calculator was released just days after the governor unveiled a comprehensive plan to reduce—and eventually eliminate—property taxes for many homesteaded properties.
The proposal is currently being debated in a special legislative session that began Monday. On Friday, May 29, lawmakers approved HB 7031E, a broader budget bill that includes several new tax rules, though the property tax exemption changes are still pending separate approval. The new tax rules, which cover sales tax holidays for back-to-school shopping, hunting and camping gear, and home hardening products, will take effect July 1 if signed by the governor.
How the Property Tax Plan Works
DeSantis’ plan would raise Florida’s homestead exemption—the portion of a home’s value that is not subject to property taxes—from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and then to $250,000 in 2028. For homes valued above $250,000, only the amount exceeding that threshold would be taxable. Under the long-term framework, the legislature would create a schedule to increase the exemption to $500,000 and beyond, with the ultimate goal of eliminating property taxes on all primary residences.
For example, a homeowner with a property valued at $400,000 would currently pay taxes on about $350,000 after the existing $50,000 exemption. Under the new plan, they would pay taxes on only $150,000—saving thousands of dollars annually.
DeSantis has stated that the initial $250,000 threshold would eliminate property taxes for 60% of Florida homeowners, and that raising the exemption to $500,000 would exempt 92% of primary homes. However, a September 2025 analysis from the Florida Legislature’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research found that only 28% of homestead properties have a market value of $250,000 or below. Researchers caution that existing tax reduction programs—such as the Save Our Homes cap on assessment increases—must also be factored in to accurately calculate how many homeowners would pay nothing.
The proposal requires approval from at least three-fifths of both the Florida House and Senate before it can appear on the November 2026 ballot for voter ratification. Critics have described the plan as a "watered-down version" of DeSantis’ earlier campaign promise to immediately eliminate all homestead property taxes. The governor countered that the phased approach has a better chance of passing the legislature.
Broader Implications for Florida Homeowners
The debate over property taxes comes at a time when Florida homeowners are already benefiting from the existing Save Our Homes amendment, which caps annual assessment increases at 3% for homesteaded properties. The new proposal would go much further, potentially reshaping the state’s tax base and shifting the burden of funding schools, infrastructure, and local services.
If the plan moves forward, local governments could face significant revenue shortfalls. Property taxes are the primary funding source for Florida’s counties, school districts, and special districts. Lawmakers would need to identify alternative revenue streams or cut spending to compensate for the lost income.
The calculator launch has already generated significant public interest, with many residents eager to see how the proposal would affect their personal finances. For context on how major legislative changes can capture public attention, much like the recent Pride Month 2026 celebrations that sparked nationwide discussions after flag raisings and political debates.
As the special session continues, all eyes are on Tallahassee. If the proposal passes the legislature and voters approve it in November, Florida could become the first state in the nation to phase out property taxes on primary residences entirely—a move with profound implications for homeowners, renters, and the state’s fiscal future.
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