Rather than eliminating mosquitoes, Florida Republicans want to eliminate property taxes that may be more popular in the states of the sun. Next year’s statewide referendum will likely drive record turnout to vote, but the outcome is certain. My older boss, Paul Tash, will say, “Everyone loves free ice cream.”
But this is a terrible idea, fertilized by the most illicit messaging I’ve ever seen from Tallahassee. It would reflect on bankrupt cities and counties, police and fire departments, and drive school systems to the ground. The marshalling of Republican lawmakers behind it shows just how cynical and empty our representatives have become.
Gov. Ron DeSantis and legislative leaders have supported the idea separately since 2026, becoming an arms race between Republicans to compete for party bases. But they are coalesced around the same false selling point. As DeSantis said, if you “have to keep writing checks to the government just for the privilege of using your property,” then no one actually owns the home. ”
No one writes a check “just for the privilege” of using property. They pay shares for the public services we all offer. You may have bought your home, but the roads outside your home are not free. Police and fire prevention are not free. There are no free traffic lights or intersections. Public schools are not free, nor are they sidewalks, parks or advanced centres. Anyone who thinks their home qualifies them for a once-in-a-lifetime free service doesn’t understand how society works or is completely out of their locker.
However, Republicans continue to pretend that Florida can eliminate property taxes entirely without finding other income to pay the bill. Desantis said that in his state speech in March, insisting that Florida would not replace property taxes with new revenue. “Don’t let anyone tell us we’re asking for a state tax increase,” DeSantis said. Three Regional Republicans repeated the same fantasy last week, writing in the Tampa Bay Times that “Florida should be the first state in America to cut or eliminate and replace property taxes,” calling readers for a “bold and practical” solution for 2026.
Of course, these House members did not follow their own advice and did not offer their own advice. The reason is simple. Because mathematics doesn’t work. Property taxes use Florida’s biggest assets (currently $5 trillion in wealth and coveted property) to generate approximately $55 billion a year for local governments. Property taxes are the largest single income source for 51 of the state’s 67 counties and almost half of 411 cities in Florida. Statewide, these taxes account for around 17% of city revenue, 18% of counties, and 50% to 60% of local school districts. Property taxes also generate hundreds of millions of dollars for local bus systems, environmental land purchases, child health services and many other programs.
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Florida was the highest in the country, able to double its general sales tax of 6% to 12%, but still doesn’t close the gap. Given that lawmakers are excluding sales tax increases at all, implementing state income taxes is unrealistic, and eliminating property taxes is a dream.
But have anyone been surprised that legislators cover almost the best of all? Lawmakers are creating false hopes and making fun of serious debates over tax policy and spending decisions. Do you want to eliminate property tax? It’s fine, but let’s talk about the impact on police and fire services, schools and the state’s aging infrastructure. Let’s talk about the impact on the community that property taxes can help maintain quality of life and help homeowners build generational wealth. Let’s talk about how to invite more investors to rent homes by solving these taxes. In other words, what’s the other side of the coin? Because nothing is free in this world.
For now, this issue is because it gives lawmakers the appearance of spokespersons, bogeymen and action. Above all, focusing on taxes can help distract lawmakers from the last thing they want to talk about. This is even bigger problem for homeowners. Let’s take a look at what the House Committee, which the chairman of R-Miami has created to investigate the issue, will ultimately propose. But the conversation is off to a ridiculous start.
