2026 Florida Legislature

In his resignation letter, Perez, a Cuban-American Republican from Miami, said he would leave his legislative office on Friday, Aug. 21.

The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) said Monday it's targeting Florida's 14th Congressional District, which is represented by longtime Democrat U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor in Tampa, and the open 22nd Congressional District seat in South Florida.

A proposed Florida constitutional amendment aimed at slashing property taxes could offer immediate relief to homeowners, but county property appraisers are warning it will spark a major financial challenge for local governments and alter how public services are funded.

He’ll call a special session before he’s term-limited out to create a trust fund to help local governments if voters approve measure.

On June 2, the Republican-controlled Legislature voted in favor of putting Gov. Ron DeSantis’ property tax amendment on the ballot for voters to consider in the November election.

As of now, Tuesday was probably the last meeting of the 2024-2026 Florida Legislature, convened in special session to pass Gov. Ron DeSantis plan to slash property taxes.

Under the plan, homeowners whose primary home has a taxable value of $150 thousand or less would pay property taxes only for schools starting next year. That value would go up to $250 thousand in 2028.

Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln sent a letter Friday to members of the Florida Legislature expressing deep concerns over the proposed bill, known as SJR 2-F, just ahead of the start of Monday's special legislative session in Tallahassee.

Lawmakers overwhelmingly approved a $114.5 billion spending plan Friday, wrapping up a special session to complete the budget more than two months after they failed to do so during the regular session.

Gov. Ron DeSantis will ask lawmakers to schedule a referendum in November to gradually eliminate most property taxes.

Any successful appeal would have to move swiftly to apply to the 2026 midterm elections. Qualifying for U.S. House seats starts June 8 at noon and ends June 12 at noon.

House and Senate leaders reached a final deal on the state budget late Sunday night, the last step in an extended process that required a special session to complete for the second year in a row.