Former House Speaker Renner Criticizes GOP Property Tax Amendment Proposal
Former House Speaker Paul Renner calls the GOP’s property tax amendment a watered-down proposal that won’t eliminate school taxes.
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — Former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, currently seeking the Republican nomination for governor, has criticized the property tax constitutional amendment approved by the GOP-controlled Legislature last week, calling the proposal a diluted version of Governor Ron DeSantis’ original plan.
“I think that they took the governor’s proposal and watered it down to a point that I’m not a huge fan of this proposal,” Renner told the Florida Phoenix in a phone conversation Thursday, moments before he addressed a group of supporters in Tampa.
Key Changes to Governor’s Original Plan
The Legislature made several significant modifications to DeSantis’ property tax proposal when they passed their joint resolution. The most substantial change ensured the amendment would not apply to property taxes used to fund Florida’s public school system.
Lawmakers also removed a trust fund that would have provided grants to local governments to help them replace lost revenues from the tax cuts.
“Under what’s on the ballot for November, you’re still going to be paying property taxes on school taxes, at least, no matter whether it passes or not,” Renner said. “And it also has the problem of not having any of the backfill that the governor wanted, either, and so, for the fiscally constrained counties, that’s going to become a real issue.”
Renner’s Alternative Property Tax Plan
Property tax reform has become a central component of Renner’s gubernatorial campaign. Last fall, he argued that the Legislature should roll back ad valorem taxes immediately rather than delay implementation until 2027, which would occur if voters approve the proposed constitutional amendment with 60% support this November.
Renner has promoted his own “Florida First Affordability Plan,” which he claims would deliver the largest property tax cut in Florida history. His proposal includes a $1 million exemption for homeowners, which he says would eliminate property taxes for 95% of them, and a $750,000 exemption for non-housing properties.
To offset some of the lost revenue, Renner’s plan would implement a 3% real estate transaction fee on homestead properties.
Timeline and Political Implications
The constitutional amendment approved by the Legislature will appear on the November ballot, requiring 60% voter approval to take effect. If passed, the property tax reductions would not begin until 2027.
Renner had initially expressed enthusiasm about the framework of DeSantis’ property tax reduction plan when it was introduced late last month. However, his criticism of the final legislative product highlights potential divisions within the Republican Party over the scope and implementation of property tax reform.
The former House Speaker’s opposition to his party’s approved measure could become a distinguishing factor in his gubernatorial campaign, as he positions himself as an advocate for more comprehensive property tax relief than what the current Legislature has proposed.
