DeSantis Proposes Eliminating Property Taxes in Florida

As a Florida resident, I’m always keeping an eye on policies that could impact homeownership costs. Governor Ron DeSantis recently announced that he wants to eliminate property taxes in the state, calling them “the more oppressive and ineffective” form of taxation.

In a post on X, DeSantis acknowledged that since property taxes are determined at the local level, a constitutional amendment—requiring at least 60% voter approval—would be necessary to eliminate or significantly reform them. He expressed support for putting “the boldest amendment on the ballot that has a chance of getting that 60%.”

While Florida does not have a state income tax and primarily funds its budget through sales tax revenue, property taxes play a key role in funding essential services such as police, fire departments, and public schools. Critics argue that eliminating property taxes would force local governments to find alternative revenue sources, potentially leading to higher sales taxes or other fees.

According to CoreLogic data, the median property tax bill in Florida was $3,101 in 2024, marking a 9.5% increase from the previous year and a 47.5% rise since 2019. In South Florida, property tax hikes have been even more dramatic—median property tax payments have increased by 56.8% in both Miami-Dade and Broward counties since 2019.

For homeowners, eliminating property taxes would mean significantly lower carrying costs, making homeownership more affordable, especially for retirees and those on fixed incomes. Investors would see higher rental yields and improved cash flow, further boosting Florida’s appeal as a real estate hotspot. However, the proposal raises questions about how municipalities would fund essential services and whether the benefits outweigh potential trade-offs.

Despite Florida’s relatively lower property tax rates compared to states in the Northeast and Midwest, home-price appreciation and rising insurance costs have placed additional financial pressure on homeowners. With Florida’s home insurance rates among the highest in the nation due to recent hurricanes, DeSantis’ proposal is sure to spark debate over how local governments would adjust if property taxes were significantly reduced or eliminated. If passed, this would mark a historic shift in Florida’s tax structure and could reshape the state’s real estate market for years to come.