Florida Could End Property Taxes Forever Under DeSantis Plan

Governor Ron DeSantis has pledged to give Floridians the power to decide whether property taxes on owner-occupied homes should be reduced or eliminated. The governor floated the idea during a press conference on Tuesday but offered no formal legislative plan, framing the move as a fight for true homeownership.

Ballot Measure for Voters

DeSantis said the proposal would come in the form of a constitutional amendment, allowing residents to vote directly on the issue. “What we’re going to do is we’re going to place a question on the ballot that is going to allow Floridians to be able to vote themselves relief from property tax,” he explained. Any amendment would require at least 60% approval from voters.

 Framing Homeownership Rights

The governor argued that homeowners should not have to “pay rent to the government” once they have fully paid for their properties. “If you own your home, to truly own it, you have to own it free and clear of the government,” DeSantis said. He compared property tax to a charge on an “unrealized gain,” noting the tax is levied annually regardless of whether a home is sold.

 Limits of State Authority

DeSantis clarified that he cannot mandate the legislature to lower millage rates because state lawmakers lack constitutional authority to change local taxes. That power rests with counties and municipalities, which he accused of overspending. The ballot measure, he said, would bypass that system and put the choice directly in voters’ hands.

Local Spending Criticism

To illustrate his point, the governor singled out Broward County, which he said saw its budget rise by 60% in five years despite “no net population growth.” He presented this as evidence that local governments are driving costs without accountability to taxpayers.

Skepticism and Challenges Ahead

DeSantis acknowledged skepticism around eliminating property taxes but challenged doubters. “Why can’t it be done?” he asked. The idea faces hurdles, including questions about how cities and counties would fund essential services if property tax revenues were significantly reduced or eliminated.