The conversation around property taxes in Florida has escalated to a national level, fueled by remarks from Eric Trump about the state’s robust financial position. In a recent tweet, he asserted, “I now live in Florida and you literally have Ron DeSantis who’s going around saying we’re going to eliminate ALL PROPERTY TAX in the state of Florida.” Trump’s words resonate with public sentiment as many debate whether eliminating property taxes is a realistic goal.
Gov. Ron DeSantis has ignited interest with his push for significant property tax reductions, which include exemptions for primary residences—referred to as “homestead” properties. Florida’s Republican-led Legislature is currently weighing several tax reform proposals. These could drastically reshape the property tax landscape but also create uncertainty for local governments about how to offset the potential loss of revenue.
While DeSantis has criticized existing proposals as “milquetoast,” he has yet to unveil a detailed blueprint for comprehensive tax elimination. He claims that the current property tax system is a burden on homeowners, suggesting that the state’s growing population provides enough fiscal strength to consider deep cuts. Florida’s population has surged, with over 700,000 new residents arriving from higher-tax states like New York and California from April 2020 to July 2023, according to census data.
Nonetheless, this proposal faces significant challenges from fiscal experts and local leaders. Esteban Leonardo Santis of the Florida Policy Institute cautioned, “You can’t just eliminate all property taxes and expect services to maintain themselves.” The implications of such a drastic move would be profound, as local governments rely heavily on property tax revenue to fund essential services, including public safety and infrastructure maintenance. The loss of up to $18.5 billion in property tax revenue could have catastrophic effects on municipal operations.
DeSantis advocates for an increase in the homestead exemption, which currently stands at $50,000. He insists that the state has control over tax rates, remarking: “We can’t control inflation and we can’t control what the Fed does with interest rates, but we can control how much they can tax you.” This sentiment suggests a clear ideological divide regarding fiscal management.
However, any substantial alteration to property taxation would require a constitutional amendment, necessitating a 60% voter approval in the 2026 general election. As a result, legislators are preparing proposals now to ensure they are on the ballot in time. House Speaker Daniel Perez pointed out the complexity of these discussions, noting, “The House has proposed eliminating all non-school homestead property taxes. The Governor weirdly called that ‘milquetoast.'” This comment highlights the tensions within the GOP around how to handle property tax reform effectively.
Despite the influx of cash from new residents, the assertion that Florida could eliminate property taxes without repercussions is contentious. Newcomers may boost revenues through sales taxes and real estate transaction fees, but these sources are less stable than property tax revenues. Moreover, many experts argue that rising housing costs and soaring property insurance are the primary drivers of Florida’s affordability issues—issues that are not likely to be resolved by merely eliminating property taxes.
Rep. Jim Mooney echoed this view, stating, “We don’t get a lot of complaints about property taxes. We get a lot of complaints about insurance, which I think honestly should be the bigger debate.” This shift in focus indicates that while taxes are crucial, other factors weigh heavily on residents’ financial burdens.
A potential repeal of property taxes would necessitate finding substantial replacement revenue, a possibility some view with skepticism. It might involve raising sales taxes or even introducing a state income tax, which Florida has historically avoided. The more feasible route may involve adjustments to exemptions or targeted relief for vulnerable populations, such as seniors or those facing steep insurance premiums.
Eric Trump also called on New York’s political leaders to adopt tax-cutting measures similar to those in Florida, urging them to create a business-friendly climate. “They should embrace capitalism,” he said, contrasting the states’ approaches. New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani has yet to respond, but his progressive policies are at odds with the tax reduction narrative being pushed in Florida.
In Florida, the gap within the GOP is widening. DeSantis seeks to present a bold vision of tax reform, while legislators like Perez are navigating the complexities of public finance realities. The state’s 2025 budget, which stands at $118.6 billion, underscores the scrutiny over the sustainability of substantial tax cuts.
Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, Blaise Ingoglia, advocates for eliminating waste and inefficiency to cover potential losses in revenue. However, local officials recognize that this approach alone won’t suffice. A county administrator succinctly noted, “You can’t pay firefighters with slogans.” This statement captures the frustration of local leaders who worry about the impact of tax cuts on essential services.
As the clock ticks toward DeSantis’s term conclusion and speculation about his presidential ambitions rises, the balance between property tax reform and funding essential services will undoubtedly influence Florida’s political outlook for years to come. For now, voters will face a series of tax-related amendments in the 2026 elections, amid a cacophony of proposals with little agreement on the best course forward.
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