Gov. Ron DeSantis used a speech at the Buckley Institute in New Haven to highlight Florida’s economic record and propose further tax relief for homeowners.

DeSantis said Florida has no state income tax and argued the state operates a leaner budget than larger states, asserting his administration had retired half the state’s debt on his watch. "Just look at Florida's budget, and debt and tax situation," he said, framing the fiscal results as evidence that conservative governance delivers measurable benefits.

He reiterated plans to pursue a ballot initiative to exempt primary residences (homestead properties) from property tax, saying the change would provide "huge relief for people." He also contrasted Florida’s budget and services with those of New York, saying Florida’s results have been achieved at lower cost.

The governor attributed population growth and increased adjusted gross income to Florida’s policies and tied fiscal performance to broader priorities such as infrastructure and education investment. These figures and outcomes were presented by DeSantis as evidence his administration’s policies have yielded better economic performance.

DeSantis framed the fiscal story as part of a larger political argument: smaller state debt, lower taxes and a pro-growth approach, he said, explain why businesses and residents are moving to Florida.

The remarks were delivered as a policy overview rather than a formal proposal; DeSantis presented the homestead-exemption idea as an initiative he intends to pursue but did not provide legislative text or a timeline during the speech.