Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia promoted Governor Ron DeSantis’ property tax plan ahead of a November ballot in Miami-Dade County, arguing local governments can shield public safety from cuts even if revenues fall. The proposal, summarized on the ballot as “Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes” and identified as HJR 1Fwould exempt the first $250,000 of a homestead’s value from taxation and requires 60% voter approval to pass.
The debate matters because cities rely heavily on property tax revenue for police and fire services, and the plan advanced through a two-day special session. Local officials in major metros, including Tampa, warned of strain on police and fire budgetswhile Ingoglia dismissed warnings as “scare tactics.” Last updated: June 5, 2026.
Ingoglia’s push at Miami-Dade training site
Speaking at the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Urban Search and Rescue Training Facility, Ingoglia said municipalities had engaged in wasteful spending over the past five years and could absorb the fiscal impact. “The first thing that every local government should do if the proposal passes is to fund the police, firefighters, and other first responders,” he said, insisting that budget priorities—not the amendment—would dictate any service cuts. Ingoglia, appointed by DeSantis, framed the measure as relief for homeowners while challenging claims that public safety would be compromised.
The ballot summary for HJR 1F presents the expanded homestead exemption as a step to curb “excessive” property taxes. Supporters have also referenced a longer-term objective of reducing—and potentially eliminating—property taxes, a goal that remains undefined in scope and timing. Ingoglia did not address prior proposals for a state-backed local government trust fund that were left out of the final package, focusing instead on local budgeting practices and essential service prioritization.
Tampa officials warn of budget strain
Tampa City Councilmember Luis Vieraa Democrat running for the state House, cautioned that the amendment could cause a “significant change in revenue for police and fire services.” Mayor Jane Castor has underscored that every dollar of Tampa’s approximately $380 million in property tax revenue is allocated to police and fire, while total public safety expenditures exceed $455 million. City leaders said those figures illustrate how even targeted homestead relief can ripple through public safety funding in fast-growing urban areas.
Firefighters and emergency services responders publicly criticized the plan, citing uncertainty over how to maintain staffing and response times if general fund dollars shrink. By contrast, the Florida Sheriffs Association and the Florida Police Chiefs Association have not taken positions. Major statewide business groups, including the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Florida, have also stayed silent, while the NFIB of Florida urged protections to prevent local governments from shifting the burden to commercial property.
Legislative path and missing protections
During the 2026 regular session, the Florida House advanced a separate property tax reduction plan that included explicit protections for law enforcement funding. The Senate did not take up that measure, and it died at the end of session. DeSantis’ earlier framework had contemplated a local government trust fund to stabilize essential services, but the Republican-led Legislature removed it, leaving local revenue adjustments to counties and cities without a state backstop.
The current proposal moved through a special session with roughly two days of debate, drawing criticism that the measure was rushed and not fully vetted. Viera described the timeline as unusually compressed for a change with potential effects on core services such as policing, fire protection, and emergency response. Ingoglia countered that prioritization would protect first responders, asserting that reductions, if any, should come from nonessential spending before affecting public safety.
What voters will see on the ballot
The ballot question labeled “Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes” centers on exempting the first $250,000 of homestead value from taxation. It requires a 60% supermajority to amend the constitution. Supporters frame it as tangible relief for homeowners amid rising valuations. Critics argue any reduction in the property tax base could force difficult trade-offs in cities where public safety already consumes a large share of budgets and personnel costs are fixed by contracts and operational standards.
As the campaign period begins, the state’s top finance officer is amplifying the case for homeowner relief, while big-city leaders highlight potential pressure on police and fire funding. With stakeholder groups divided or silent and no dedicated state fund to offset losses, the outcome will shape how Florida balances tax relief against the fiscal demands of first responders. The measure’s fate will hinge on whether voters accept Ingoglia’s premise that existing budgets can be reprioritized without degrading public safety.
