Florida Governor Ron DeSantis endorses abolishing property taxes, sparking a constitutional debate and public interest across the state.
Quick Takes
- DeSantis endorses the idea of abolishing property taxes in Florida
- Constitutional amendment requiring 60% voter approval needed for implementation
- Governor calls property taxes “oppressive and ineffective”
- Proposal gains support from influential figures, including Eric Trump
- DeSantis suggests putting a “bold amendment” on the ballot to garner voter support
DeSantis Pushes for Property Tax Abolition
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has ignited a heated debate by endorsing the idea of abolishing property taxes in the Sunshine State. The proposal, which would require a significant change to Florida’s constitution, has caught the attention of citizens and politicians alike. DeSantis, known for his conservative policies, argues that property taxes are an inefficient and burdensome form of taxation that needs to be eliminated.
The governor’s stance on property taxes came to light following his response to a social media post advocating for their elimination. DeSantis’s tweet on the subject quickly gained traction, receiving over 50,000 likes and sparking a wider conversation about tax reform in Florida. This move comes after DeSantis’s foray into presidential politics, which ended with his withdrawal from the race and subsequent endorsement of Donald Trump in 2024.
Property taxes are local, not state. So we’d need to do a constitutional amendment (requires 60% of voters to approve) to eliminate them (which I would support) or even to reform/lower them…
We should put the boldest amendment on the ballot that has a chance of getting that… https://t.co/WpOQmjNl0X
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) February 13, 2025
Constitutional Hurdles and Voter Approval
The path to abolishing property taxes in Florida is not a simple one. As DeSantis pointed out, property taxes are primarily a local, not state, issue. This means that any attempt to eliminate them would require a constitutional amendment. In Florida, such amendments need the approval of 60% of voters to pass, presenting a significant challenge for proponents of the measure.
“Property taxes are local, not state. So we’d need to do a constitutional amendment (requires 60% of voters to approve) to eliminate them (which I would support) or even to reform/lower them,” DeSantis wrote on X.
Recognizing the difficulty of achieving such a high threshold of voter support, DeSantis has suggested a bold approach. He proposes putting the most ambitious amendment possible on the ballot, one that still has a realistic chance of reaching the 60% approval mark. This strategy aims to maximize the potential for reform while acknowledging the practical limitations of the constitutional amendment process.
Support and Criticism
The proposal to abolish property taxes has garnered support from some influential figures. Eric Trump, son of President Donald Trump, praised DeSantis’s idea, calling it “amazing” and stating that “Florida [is] leading the way!” This endorsement from a member of the Trump family has added weight to the governor’s proposal, potentially influencing conservative voters in the state.
However, the proposal is not without its critics. Some argue that property taxes are a crucial source of funding for local services such as schools, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Opponents of the measure worry about how these essential services would be funded if property taxes were eliminated. The debate continues to unfold, with Floridians on both sides of the issue voicing their opinions and concerns.
Looking Ahead
As the conversation around property tax abolition in Florida continues to evolve, all eyes are on Governor DeSantis and the state legislature. The coming months will likely see further discussions on the feasibility of such a dramatic change to Florida’s tax structure, as well as potential alternative funding mechanisms for local governments. Whether this bold proposal will gain the necessary traction to become a reality remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly sparked a crucial debate about taxation and governance in the Sunshine State.
