In property tax debate, how will Florida define core school services?
Tampa Bay Times | Jeffrey S. Solochek | May 28, 2026
The big story: Following months of talk, Gov. Ron DeSantis has called for a special session to slash property taxes in Florida.
It’s scheduled to begin Monday.
One of the bullet point highlights of his plan says that it would require local governments to use the revenue that remains “solely for core public needs” including education. Which parts of the education system he’s referring to aren’t spelled out.
Today in Tampa, I outlined the Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes plan that will eliminate taxes on homesteads.
It’s a discussion likely to ensue as Floridians debate how they would pay for the offerings they provide in schools and other parts of government. Political leaders have approached the topic in the past, often suggesting that school districts need to operate more efficiently, putting the majority of their money toward things that directly impact students and classrooms.
In 2005, for instance, then-Gov. Jeb Bush supported what was referred to as the 65% solution. It would have forced districts to spend at least 65% of their operating budgets on expenses such as teachers, computers and supplies.
The idea faded quickly, as people came to see it as a gimmick based on an random target that arbitrarily defined classroom expense, often leaving out things considered critical to student success.
Thirteen years later, as DeSantis first ran for governor, he argued that schools did not need more tax revenue. Rather, they needed to spend more wisely, he said, calling for the state to direct 80% of education funding “into the classroom.”
DeSantis didn’t define the term, and district officials contended that they could make the case they were already close. They also pointed out that so long as the state puts restrictions on how large portions of the money are used, it would be difficult to rearrange their spending.
The role that schools play, and the services they provide, will likely feature again as lawmakers debate property taxes. The House previously has recommended leaving school taxes untouched in any attempt to revamp the model.
No bills have been filed for Special Session F, although the governor has released proposed language. Voter approval would ultimately be required to implement any changes. Read more in this story from the Tampa Bay Times.
