Gov. Ron DeSantis met with Brevard County residents, real estate professionals, and local leaders at the Space Coast Association of Realtors in Melbourne on May 18, 2026, to discuss rising property taxes. The event, hosted at the association’s office on West New Haven Avenue, centered on how escalating tax bills are affecting homeowners across the county. DeSantis spoke with attendees about potential solutions to ease the financial burden on families, retirees, and first-time homebuyers.
The discussion included concerns about housing affordability and the impact of higher taxes on the local real estate market. Realtors and community leaders highlighted how increased costs could strain the economy and deter new residents. One participant, Karen Thompson, a real estate agent with Coastal Properties, said, 'Many of our clients are seeing their taxes rise by 10% or more each year. It’s a real challenge for people trying to stay in their homes.'
DeSantis acknowledged the issue during the meeting, though he did not outline specific policy proposals. He emphasized the need for state-level reforms to address the problem, citing similar discussions in other Florida counties. 'This isn’t just a Brevard issue,' he said. 'It’s a statewide concern that requires a coordinated response.'
The roundtable followed a recent report showing Brevard County’s average property tax rate increased by 8.2% since 2020. Local officials said the rise is driven by rising home values and growing demand for public services. The event concluded with a question-and-answer session, where attendees raised concerns about exemptions for seniors and potential changes to the state’s homestead exemption laws.