Democratic leaders are warning that Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposal to raise homestead exemptions is a bad idea, suggesting a mostly unified front in the opposition party ahead of Monday’s deliberations.

House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell of Tampa said the plan DeSantis floated “on his way out the door” could “bankrupt local communities.” DeSantis is pushing to raise homestead exemptions to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028.

“There’s no real relief for renters,” Driskell said of the proposed break for homeowners’ primary residences.

She said increased fees and budget cuts likely would follow, with private corporations likely to be contracted once services are eliminated.

“This plan screams overreach,” she said.

Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman of Boynton Beach said she was “angry,” calling the proposal “absurd” and criticizing the short notice between the introduction of the plan to “dramatically reshape our state’s entire financial landscape.”

Berman noted the lack of a Revenue Estimating Conference analysis of the plan, which is something legislators typically rely upon when considering proposals.

She noted that Palm Beach County could lose half a billion dollars of revenue if the ballot measure passes, potentially creating choices between funding the police and keeping a public school open.

Sen. Tina Polsky of Boca Raton, the Senate Policy Chair, said the title of the amendment is “misleading” and “one-sided.”

“Getting rid of excessive taxes,” she said, is a “subjective statement.”

Polsky also took issue with the proposal for a trust fund to backfill needs.

“You have to get down on bended knee and ask for an allowance from the state government for something you need,” she said.

“We’ve seen what the preemption has been like over these last eight years. Can you imagine the political favors and the political punishment that will be wielded out to counties and cities that the next Governor doesn’t like? There’s way too much power. There’s kind of no point to being a local elected anymore.”

Polsky said Democrats and the press would have to “educate the public” about the proposal should it make the ballot.

Rep. Kelly Skidmore of Boca Raton, the House Policy Chair, said that more time should have been dedicated to evaluating the plan.

She noted problems with the property tax structure existed, but they should be fixed, rather than having the homestead exemption raised.

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