DeSantis Proposes Ban on Florida Property Taxes, Calling Them ‘Oppressive’

By Oshadhi Gimesha, Lead Journalist | Reviewed and approved by Editor-in-Chief

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has unveiled a bold proposal to eliminate property taxes in the state, calling them “the more oppressive and ineffective” form of taxation. The plan, which would require a constitutional amendment approved by 60% of voters, has sparked debate over its feasibility and potential impact on critical local services like schools, police, and fire departments.

Key Details

1. The Proposal:
   • DeSantis announced the plan in a post on X, stating that property taxes are “local, not state” and require a constitutional amendment to eliminate or reform.
   • He urged lawmakers to put the “boldest amendment on the ballot” that could secure 60% voter approval.
2. Current Tax Landscape:
   • Florida relies heavily on sales tax for its statewide budget, but property taxes fund essential local services.
   • Median property taxes in Florida rose to $3,101 in 2024, a 9.5% increase from 2023 and a 47.5% jump since 2019.
3. Regional Impact:
   • South Florida has seen the sharpest increases, with median property taxes rising 56.8% in Miami-Dade County and 56.8% in Broward County since 2019.
   • Home prices in these areas have surged by 58.9% and 59.9%, respectively, over the same period.

Broader Context

1. National Comparisons:
   • Florida’s property taxes are lower than those in Northeastern and Midwestern states like New Jersey ($9,488 average) and Illinois (1.88% effective rate).
   • However, Florida’s lack of a state income tax makes property taxes a critical revenue source.
2. Economic Challenges:
   • Florida’s tourism-driven economy provides significant sales tax revenue, but the state faces rising costs in other areas, including home insurance premiums, which increased by 7% in 2024.
3. Expert Opinions:
   • Amir Neto, Director of the Original Economic Research Institute at Florida Gulf Coast University, warned that eliminating property taxes would require either cutting services or finding alternative revenue streams.

Why This Matters

1. For Taxpayers:
   • Eliminating property taxes could provide relief for homeowners, particularly in high-cost areas like South Florida.
   • However, the loss of revenue could lead to cuts in local services or higher taxes elsewhere.
2. For Local Governments:
   • Schools, police, and fire departments rely heavily on property tax revenue. Finding alternative funding could prove challenging.
3. For the State:
   • The proposal reflects DeSantis’s broader push for tax reform, but its success depends on voter approval and legislative support.

What’s Next

1. Constitutional Amendment:
   • Lawmakers must draft and approve an amendment, which would then need 60% voter support to pass.
2. Public Debate:
   • The plan is likely to face opposition from local governments and education advocates concerned about funding cuts.
3. Alternative Solutions:
   • Experts suggest exploring options like increasing sales taxes or implementing new fees to offset lost revenue.

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