Governor Ron DeSantis has thrown his support behind the growing national movement to eliminate property taxes. While Florida’s state budget relies heavily on sales tax, local governments depend on property taxes to fund essential services like police, fire departments, and schools. 

Governor DeSantis has voiced his support for this initiative on social media, labeling property taxes as “oppressive” and “ineffective.” He has proposed putting an amendment on the ballot, requiring a 60% majority to pass.

Previously, a GOP lawmaker in Tallahassee suggested a bill to study the effects of replacing property taxes with sales tax, but the proposal died in committee. Similarly, North Dakota voters rejected an effort to abolish property taxes last November.

Estaban Santis, a policy analyst with the Florida Policy Institute, agrees that tax reform is necessary but opposes eliminating property taxes due to the potential cuts to critical services. He and the Institute have proposed alternative reforms that would not harm families earning less than $40,000, such as closing corporate tax loopholes and introducing higher property tax rates for high-value real estate.

Tampa City Councilman Alan Clendenin has expressed concerns about which essential services might be cut under the governor’s plan. He noted that Tampa already operates with the lowest millage rates in the Tampa Bay area, with discretionary spending being a very small part of the budget.

As the legislative session begins in March, it remains uncertain whether lawmakers will propose and pass a measure to put an amendment on the ballot.

Follow the St. Pete-Clearwater Sun on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Google, & X

(Image credit: Pinellas County)