TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis delivered his final State of the State address on Tuesday morning.
From education to immigration, DeSantis touted the state’s “big results” over the past seven years. However, he also acknowledged there is still work to be done, specifically focusing on property tax relief, an issue that he has been pushing for since last year.
“Florida might have the lowest taxes at the state level in the nation, but our citizens have been squeezed by escalating property tax assessments and millage increases at the local level,” DeSantis said.
RELATED | AI, guns, health care, education & more: 10 legislative issues to watch in Florida in 2026
DeSantis’ address marked the beginning of this year’s legislative session. Hundreds of bills will be considered during this year’s session, with property taxes expected to take center stage.
“You should be able to own your home without paying perpetual rent to the government,” DeSantis said.
Press play above to watch DeSantis’ full State of the State address
DeSantis has explained that the elimination of property taxes would only apply to homesteaded properties. Second homes, investment properties and vacation rentals would continue to be taxed.
During Tuesday’s State of the State address, DeSantis pushed for legislation to place a property tax measure on the November ballot.
“Let the people have a say,” DeSantis said.
DeSantis also announced that Florida’s high school graduation rate reached a record-breaking 92.2% for the 2024-25 school year —marking the highest graduation rate in Florida’s history.
DeSantis also touted the state’s fiscal responsibility and economic growth, saying that Florida’s rainy day fund tripled and budget reserves doubled since he became governor.
“Florida spent conservatively, we have one of, if not the, lowest levels of spending per capita in the entire nation, and the number of state government workers per capita are less than half the national average and the lowest in all of these United States,” DeSantis said.