Florida Governor Ron DeSantis continues to advocate for eliminating property taxes in Florida, which has fueled debate among state lawmakers, as some evaluate the relevance of this measure, and others do not support it.
The property tax situation in Florida has spiraled out of control due to the rise in real estate values in the Sunshine State. Miami, Tampa and Jacksonville are among the five metropolitan areas in the United States that have experienced the largest increase in property taxes, according to a recent report by Redfin, a company dedicated to the real estate market.
"This property tax is hurting people and it's difficult. You're really paying rent to the government. And I think a lot of people think that's wrong," DeSantis said at a press conference, defending his philosophy behind his push for a possible constitutional amendment, as reported by Tampa Bay.
"It sounds great, this is a time when inflation numbers aren't great, Florida is too expensive for many Floridians, let's cut property taxes, but he never talks about the services we would have to cut if we moved forward with that proposal," said state Rep. Fentrice Driskell.
"Which teacher will be fired... which police officer?" he asked.
While the ballot measure is still being defined, even in its early stages, the proposal faces skepticism about how it would work and what would fill the revenue gap it would create.
Without a state income tax, property taxes generate tens of billions of dollars statewide, which local governments rely on to pay for police, fire, schools and other municipal services.
DeSantis said he would not support raising any other taxes to make up the difference, but would instead look closely at local spending.
"These budgets have increased dramatically, far above population growth," the Republican said, adding that the new DOGE team in Florida will further investigate local budgets.
The question would be put before voters in next year's legislature, and a joint resolution supported by three-fifths in each chamber would ultimately put the proposal on the ballot in 2026, the Florida governor said.
"We're really taking our time to make sure we get it right," Sen. Bryan Avila (R-Hialeah Gardens), chairman of the Senate Finance and Taxation Committee, who was recently briefed on the property tax situation, told reporters.
Meanwhile, state Sen. Kathleen Passidomo (R-Naples) says she's "quite uncomfortable with some of these broad, sweeping statements about eliminating property taxes."
"I think we should warn our members about the consequences if we just do that," he said.
Several property tax proposals have been introduced in the legislature. One would limit the assessment of seniors' homes to the value they had when they turned 65. Another initiative would ask voters to raise the tax exemption for primary residences to $75,000.
The governor’s push to eliminate property taxes revives a proposal made nearly 20 years ago by Marco Rubio, the former speaker of the Florida House of Representatives and current secretary of state. Rubio led a similar effort at the time, suggesting an increase in the sales tax to offset the revenue decline.
However, that proposal did not receive the necessary support in the Senate or from then-Governor Charlie Crist, and ultimately was not approved.
