Florida Governor Ron DeSantis took to X on Monday evening to denounce Amendment 1, a constitutional amendment that would increase the cap on the state’s budget stabilization fund from 10 percent to 25 percent of the previous year’s general fund revenue. While the amendment enjoys the endorsement of the Republican Party of Florida, DeSantis argued that the state already has a fully funded rainy‑day reserve and that any additional revenue should be directed toward tax relief and local government assistance.

Governor’s rationale

In his post, DeSantis wrote, “This is a foolish constitutional amendment proposal. We already have a maxed out rainy day fund and have run the largest surpluses in state history. Any additional revenue should be used for lower taxes, including assisting local governments with grants so that homestead properties can be exempt from local property tax. Surplus revenue could also be used to remove tolls once the property tax issue is settled. I recommend a NO vote.”

GOP endorsement and amendment details

The Republican Party of Florida responded to the governor’s statement by reaffirming its support for the measure. In a tweet, the party’s official account said, “The Florida GOP has officially endorsed Amendment 1. This amendment will help strengthen Florida’s rainy day fund so the state can handle storms, downturns, and other emergencies without raising taxes or raiding the budget.”

Amendment 1 would also authorize the Legislature to allocate up to $750 million annually to the fund until the 25‑percent cap is reached, except in years when the reserve is tapped for hurricane recovery or to cover a projected shortfall. The last time the reserve was used was in 2008 during the Great Recession.

Legislative background

The amendment, formally known as HJR 5019, cleared the Florida House in 2025 with a 100‑1 vote and passed the Senate 29‑4, securing a place on the November ballot. Legislative leaders framed the proposal as a safeguard against severe economic downturns that could force the state to raise taxes or fees to meet essential obligations.

Former House Speaker Daniel Perez, speaking in June 2025, explained, “This is just a preparation of being prepared for the unexpected, and none of us know what the unexpected is, but we have a sample to look at in the 2000s when we had a recession. The state of Florida was not prepared for that recession.”

What’s at stake for voters

Amendment 1 requires a 60‑percent supermajority to become law. If approved, the increased cap could provide additional fiscal flexibility in future crises, but critics argue it would lock away surplus funds that could otherwise lower the tax burden for families and support local projects.

DeSantis’s opposition highlights a broader debate within Florida’s Republican ranks over how best to use the state’s record‑setting surpluses. While the party leadership emphasizes long‑term financial security, the governor stresses immediate tax relief and infrastructure improvements for Floridians.

Local implications

For homeowners, especially those with homestead exemptions, the governor’s proposal to use surplus revenue for tax reductions could translate into lower property tax bills. Additionally, the suggestion to fund grants for local governments may help municipalities address service gaps without raising local taxes.

Stakeholders across the state, from municipal officials to small‑business owners, are watching the upcoming vote closely. The outcome will shape how Florida balances fiscal prudence with the desire to keep taxes low—a core principle of the state’s conservative governance philosophy.

Next steps

Voters will see Amendment 1 on the November ballot. Both the governor’s office and the Florida GOP plan to launch outreach campaigns in the coming weeks to persuade the electorate. As the election approaches, the conversation is likely to focus on whether Floridians prefer a larger safety net for future emergencies or immediate tax relief that puts money back into families and local communities.

Original reporting: NBC6 Miami — read the source article.