TALLAHASSEE — Governor Ron DeSantis used a Jan. 15 press conference in Broward County to press for a ballot-focused property-tax reform that would prioritize relief for homesteaded primary residences while excluding relief for owners of multiple investment or vacation properties.

"We wanna focus on Florida residents and their primary homesteaded property," DeSantis said, adding he did not want to give property-tax relief to owners of numerous investment properties. He noted local property-tax revenues rose from about $32 billion in 2019 to $56 billion in the most recent year and framed ballot action as a way to direct transient-tax revenues and visitor-related receipts toward homeowner relief rather than expanding local tax burdens on residents.

The governor said he is working with lawmakers on language that would be both bold and passable at the ballot box and suggested a special session solely on property-tax relief could be appropriate. He described the state's fiscal position — tripling the rainy-day fund and retiring taxpayer-supported debt — as providing room for reforms aimed at improving housing affordability.

Reporters pressed the governor on several related matters. Asked whether the state should take over oversight of the Broward County School District amid procurement and financial concerns, DeSantis said the district "has been a disaster" in recent matters and that receivership is among tools that could be used where state law permits; he pointed to the education commissioner and the Legislature for legal authorities.

On homelessness, a reporter asked whether the governor would deploy state resources such as the National Guard to enforce the anti-camping law in places where local officials do not. DeSantis said the attorney general was looking into accountability for local officials and that he would "use the levers that I have available" to enforce the law's intent, citing prior state interventions such as Miami Beach spring-break enforcement.

DeSantis also raised concerns about artificial intelligence and large data centers, arguing state policy should protect consumers and children and prevent private infrastructure from overriding local power needs in emergencies. He gave examples of harmful chatbot interactions cited by parents and urged lawmakers to act this session to set ethical standards and consumer protections.

What happens next: DeSantis said he will continue working with House and Senate leaders and does not expect property-tax ballot language to be completed in the regular session; he suggested it could be the subject of a separate, focused effort.