The governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, reiterated his goal of eliminating property taxes in the state.
"Of all the taxes that affect Floridians, property taxes are the most significant," he stated at a press conference held in Orlando, alongside the Florida Realtors Association.
"I can assure you that when taxes are mentioned, 99% of the time it refers to property taxes," he detailed.
DeSantis expressed his desire to include a constitutional amendment on Florida's ballot in 2026 to eliminate those taxes.
"Meanwhile, Floridians need relief. Today I propose a plan that will result in $1,000 reimbursement checks per household as a discount on their property taxes. If the Legislature acts on this plan now, we can make it happen this year," he affirmed.
The governor's intention is that the tax reduction benefits solely property owners and residents of the state.
"I want Canadian and Brazilian tourists to subsidize the state and for Florida residents to pay lower taxes. I do not want to grant Canadians a tax reduction," he stated.
According to the Republican leader, if the amendment were to be approved, it is estimated that each household could save approximately $1,000 annually.
Clash with the House of Representatives
DeSantis’s proposal has generated friction with legislative leaders of his own party.
Danny Pérez, President of the Florida House of Representatives, has proposed instead to reduce the state sales tax from 6% to 5.25%, which, according to his calculations, would result in an annual savings of $5 billion for taxpayers.
In response, DeSantis posted a video on the social network X, criticizing Pérez's stance and asserting that he is not focusing on the true priorities of Floridians.
"Floridians deserve action on issues such as the protection of medical freedom, strengthening laws against illegal immigration, relief for condominium residents facing rising costs, and a tax package focused on Florida that genuinely reduces property taxes," he stated.
Challenges and criticisms
Dr. Esteban Santis, an analyst at the Florida Policy Institute, warned that the elimination of property taxes could have serious repercussions, as they are the primary source of funding for essential services such as education, public safety, and infrastructure maintenance.
"The question is not whether it can be done, but how those revenues will be replaced without affecting the quality of life in the state," Santis stated.
For his part, Jonathan Martin, a state senator, introduced a bill to explore alternatives that would allow for the replacement of revenue from property taxes.
Among the proposals, an increase in the sales tax is considered, a measure that some economists view as regressive since it disproportionately affects lower-income sectors.
The discussion on DeSantis's proposal is expected to be one of the central topics of the upcoming legislative session in March.
The constitutional amendment proposed by the governor must be approved by at least 60% of Florida voters to take effect.
Meanwhile, local leaders, school boards, and public safety agencies have not yet issued official statements regarding the potential impact of the elimination of these taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Proposal to Eliminate Property Taxes in Florida by Ron DeSantis
What does Ron DeSantis propose regarding property taxes in Florida?
Ron DeSantis proposes to eliminate property taxes in Florida through a constitutional amendment that would be put to vote in 2026. His aim is to lighten the tax burden on state residents, offering an average refund of $1,000 per household while the amendment seeks approval.
What are the criticisms of DeSantis's proposal?
The proposal by DeSantis has been criticized for the lack of a concrete plan to replace the revenue that would be lost by eliminating property taxes. These taxes are a key source of funding for essential services such as education and public safety. Without a replacement, there could be negative repercussions on the quality of life in Florida.
What alternatives have been proposed regarding the elimination of property taxes?
Danny Pérez, president of the Florida House of Representatives, has proposed reducing the state sales tax from 6% to 5.25% as an alternative. This measure could represent an annual savings of $5 billion for taxpayers and would have an immediate impact, unlike DeSantis' proposal which requires a constitutional change.
What impact would the elimination of property taxes have on public services in Florida?
The elimination of property taxes could negatively impact the funding of essential public services such as education, public safety, and infrastructure maintenance. Without an alternative funding mechanism, these services could face significant cuts, affecting the quality of life for Florida residents.
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