Florida's bold move: Gov. Ron DeSantis proposes eliminating property taxes in historic push for freedom

By willowt // 2025-02-26

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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis proposes eliminating property taxes, aiming to make Florida the first state in the U.S. to abolish them, sparking debate on government role and economic freedom.
Property taxes seen as a burden, especially for seniors, with Florida's median property tax payment increasing by 47.5% since 2019, threatening the American Dream of homeownership.
Potential challenges include finding alternative funding sources to replace property tax revenue for critical services, with concerns over a sales-based system affecting lower-income individuals.
Proposal could set a precedent for other states, potentially transforming the economic and political landscape, with a constitutional amendment requiring 60% voter approval.

In a groundbreaking announcement that has sent shockwaves through the nation, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has unveiled a bold plan to eliminate property taxes in the Sunshine State. This revolutionary proposal, which could make Florida the first state in the U.S. to abolish property taxes, has ignited a fierce debate about the role of government, individual property rights and economic freedom. “Is it your property or not?” DeSantis asked during a recent press conference, framing the issue as a fundamental question of ownership and liberty. “Just for being on your property, you’ve got to write a check to the government every year, so you’re basically paying rent to the government to live on your own property.” This provocative statement cuts to the heart of the conservative argument against property taxes: that they represent an ongoing infringement on the rights of property owners. For DeSantis and his supporters, this is not just a fiscal issue—it’s a moral one.

The DOGE initiative: A path to fiscal accountability

As part of his plan, DeSantis has proposed the creation of a statewide DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) task force to audit government spending in Florida. This task force will scrutinize local government expenditures, utilizing publicly available county and municipal spending records to provide taxpayers with a clear, “digestible” understanding of where their money is going. The governor’s focus on transparency and accountability is a hallmark of his administration. By shining a light on government spending, DeSantis aims to identify inefficiencies and waste, making the case that eliminating property taxes is not only possible but necessary. “There’s homestead stuff that helps protect you to a certain extent, but you’re paying more, and a lot of people can’t afford that,” DeSantis said, highlighting the burden property taxes place on homeowners, particularly seniors on fixed incomes. “I think that’s a big issue, and I know we’re going to be really looking at ways to bring people relief from that.”

A historical perspective: Property taxes and the American dream

Property taxes have long been a contentious issue in American history. Rooted in colonial-era practices, they were initially seen as a way to fund local services and infrastructure. However, over time, they have become a significant financial burden for homeowners, particularly in states with high property values. Florida’s median property tax payment in 2024 was $3,101, a staggering 47.5% increase since 2019. In Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, property taxes have risen by nearly 57% over the same period, far outpacing wage growth and inflation. For many Floridians, these escalating costs threaten the very idea of homeownership as a cornerstone of the American Dream. DeSantis’ proposal to eliminate property taxes is not just about easing financial pressure—it’s about restoring the principle that property ownership is a fundamental right, not a privilege granted by the government.

The road ahead: Challenges and opportunities

While the idea of eliminating property taxes is undeniably appealing, it is not without its challenges. Property taxes currently fund critical services such as schools, parks and emergency response. Without this revenue stream, Florida would need to find alternative sources of funding, such as higher sales taxes or other consumption-based models. State Sen. Jonathan Martin has introduced Senate Bill 852, which calls for a formal study to explore the feasibility of eliminating property taxes and identify potential alternatives. The findings of this study, due by October 1, will be crucial in shaping the future of this proposal. Critics, however, warn that replacing property taxes with a sales-based system could disproportionately affect lower-income individuals. Dr. Michael Snipes, a professor of economics at the University of South Florida, cautioned, “With something like a consumption tax—that disproportionately affects lower-income individuals than higher-income individuals.” Despite these concerns, DeSantis remains undeterred. In a recent post on X, he reiterated his commitment to the cause, calling property taxes “the more oppressive and ineffective form of taxation.” He also acknowledged the need for a constitutional amendment, which would require 60% voter approval, to make this vision a reality.

A precedent for the nation

If successful, Florida’s move to eliminate property taxes could set a powerful precedent for other states to follow. It would signal a shift toward greater economic freedom and individual autonomy, challenging the status quo of government overreach. Moreover, the economic implications could be transformative. By attracting businesses and homeowners seeking relief from high taxes, Florida could experience an unprecedented economic boom. As DeSantis himself has noted, this is a “revolutionary idea” with the potential to reshape the American landscape. For conservatives and freedom advocates, this is a moment of immense excitement. The fight to end property taxes is not just about dollars and cents—it’s about reclaiming the principles of liberty, ownership and limited government that define the American spirit. As the debate unfolds, one thing is clear: Florida is once again leading the charge in the battle for freedom. And if Governor DeSantis has his way, the Sunshine State may soon become a beacon of hope for property owners across the nation. Sources include: 100percentfedup.com HousingWire.com BayNews9.com