DeSantis Tax Update: Potential $1,000 Rebate in 2025

Could Florida Really Eliminate Property Taxes? Here’s What We Know So Far

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has proposed a reform that could change the way Floridians pay for their homes… or more accurately, stop paying altogether when it comes to property taxes.

Under this initiative, the governor is pushing to eliminate property taxes entirely and, in the short-term, issue a $1,000 rebate check to qualifying homeowners by December 2025. This potential shift has both homeowners and investors paying close attention.

So what could this mean for the future of real estate in the Sunshine State?

 

Breaking Down the Proposal: What’s In It?

DeSantis’ proposed legislation has two main highlights:

1. A $1,000 Rebate for Florida Homeowners
   Eligible property owners could receive a direct payment as a “tax relief dividend” before the end of 2025. This move is designed to immediately ease the burden of rising costs and inflation, while signaling a longer-term plan to shift away from recurring property taxes.

Proposed Eligibility Criteria

• Owner‑occupied homes with a Florida homestead exemption
• Full-time residents

 

1. Elimination of Property Taxes Across the State
   DeSantis is calling for a complete removal of property taxes, replacing that revenue with alternative models such as a broader sales tax and selective budget reallocations.

While many are applauding the potential relief, experts are cautioning that if passed, it would be one of the most disruptive changes to Florida’s tax structure in decades.

 

What Does This Mean for Homeowners?

If you’re a homeowner in Florida, there are a few key takeaways:

• Short-Term Win: The rebate check could feel like a welcome surprise around the holidays this year, assuming you meet eligibility based on property status and residency.
• Long-Term Questions: Without property taxes, where will funding for schools, public services, and infrastructure come from? These details are still being debated.
• Home Value Impacts: If the tax burden decreases, we could see a surge in demand, potentially driving prices up. That’s great for sellers and investors but might complicate things for first-time buyers.

 

Investor Insights: Is This a Green Light or a Yellow Flag?

For real estate investors, this proposal brings both opportunity and risk:

• Cash Flow Potential: With no property tax liability, net operating income (NOI) on rental properties could jump dramatically. That’s a strong value-add for multifamily and long-term buy-and-hold strategies.
• Increased Competition: If Florida becomes more investor-friendly due to its tax policy, expect heavier interest from out-of-state buyers and large scale investors.
• Policy Volatility: These types of legislative changes, especially ones that shift funding away from local governments, can face strong resistance. Nothing is guaranteed, and the final bill could look very different.

 

Other Property-Related Proposals from DeSantis

The property tax elimination isn’t the only real estate initiative making waves. Here are a few others DeSantis has mentioned recently:

• First-Time Buyer Incentives: Talks are underway to expand down payment assistance and remove the red tape for FHA-backed loans in Florida. This proposal would offer up to $35,000 for down payment and closing costs for qualified first-time home buyers.
• Affordable Housing Push: There’s renewed interest in supporting developers who commit to workforce housing, particularly in high-growth areas like Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville.
• Insurance Reform: DeSantis continues to advocate for solutions to Florida’s challenging property insurance landscape, which could influence investor confidence.

 

So… Will It Happen?

That’s the billion-dollar question. At this stage, DeSantis’ proposal is just that, a proposal. It would need to clear multiple legislative hurdles, and even supporters admit the timeline to full property tax elimination could be multi-year.

Still, the $1,000 rebate has strong bipartisan appeal, and the broader discussion about property tax reform is already shifting the way people think about owning and investing in Florida real estate.

 

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

As this unfolds, here are some practical steps homeowners and investors can take:

• Stay Updated: Legislative changes can happen quickly. Bookmark reputable Florida government and news sites, or subscribe to updates from your local real estate association.
• Plan for Multiple Scenarios: Don’t make sudden investment moves based on the assumption that the proposal will pass exactly as-is.
• Talk to a Tax Pro: Understanding how these potential changes affect your tax liability, estate planning, and cash flow is key.

 

This legislation has the potential to reshape the landscape of Florida real estate in a big way. It’s an exciting (and uncertain) moment in real estate policy, and the only thing we know for sure is that it’s worth paying attention to.

If you’re exploring your next step in Florida real estate, now’s the time to keep your ear to the ground and your strategy flexible.

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