The governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, emphasized the urgency of reforming the property tax system in the state, warning that the tax burdens stemming from the appreciation of homes are pushing residents out of their own houses.
"We cannot allow our citizens to be evicted from their homes due to property taxes," DeSantis said at a public appearance this Tuesday.
His wife, Casey DeSantis, shared several excerpts of the governor's statements on the social network X. He warned about the impact of "unrealized gains" on property values, which translates into higher tax bills without homeowners having sold or received income from that appreciation.
"I don't want people to be evicted from their homes due to the property tax," said DeSantis, advocating for immediate tax relief for primary homeowners.
The burden of taxes and an ambitious reform
DeSantis's stance is not new. Last May, the governor proposed a $1,000 rebate for homeowners in 2025, as part of a broader strategy that even aims at the complete elimination of the property tax in Florida, a measure that would require a constitutional amendment supported by at least 60% of voters.
"When does the moment come when you truly own your home, free and clear?" the Republican leader questioned, who has compared the current system to "paying perpetual rent to the State."
Moderate but persistent increases
Local authorities indicated that the projected increases for 2025 would be more moderate than in previous years. Property owners have already begun to receive since August in their mailboxes the "TRIM" notifications, which reflect the estimated value of their properties and the tentative amount of taxes.
In counties like Miami-Dade, some areas have reported increases of up to 9%, according to local media reports. The county appraiser, Tomás Regalado, explained that the rise is largely due to the increase in the market value of homes, rather than changes in the millage rates.
Political clashes and resistances
DeSantis's proposal faces resistance in the state legislature, particularly from the Speaker of the House, Daniel Pérez, who has characterized the plan for checks as a one-time measure with no structural impact.
"Sending $1,000 checks is not tax relief. It's a gift, just like the ones Biden gave during the pandemic," Pérez said in May.
However, DeSantis has defended the program as a first step towards a deeper transformation and has urged lawmakers to draft a constitutional amendment appealing to voters, with the aim of including it on the 2026 ballot.
More reforms on the horizon
The state government has also made progress on other fiscal and legal reforms: in July, the 2% state tax on commercial leases was eliminated, which is expected to result in a decrease in state and local revenues estimated at over $1.1 billion for the fiscal year 2025–2026.
Additionally, DeSantis has promoted new laws to protect property owners and reforms in the condominium sector following the collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside in 2021.
Florida continues to strengthen its image as a low-tax state, with policies aimed at attracting new residents and protecting permanent homeowners, according to DeSantis.
"I want Canadian and Brazilian tourists to subsidize the state. It should be the permanent residents who pay lower taxes," said the governor while defending that tax benefits should be directed exclusively to the residents of Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions about Property Tax Reform in Florida
Why does Ron DeSantis want to reform property taxes in Florida?
Ron DeSantis seeks to reform property taxes because he believes that the current tax burdens are driving residents out of their homes. The governor argues that unrealized property valuations lead to higher tax bills, even though homeowners have not realized any income from those valuations. His goal is to alleviate the tax burden on homeowners and eventually eliminate the property tax altogether in the state.
What measures has Ron DeSantis proposed to alleviate property taxes?
Ron DeSantis has proposed a $1,000 rebate for homeowners as part of a broader strategy to reduce property taxes. Additionally, he has suggested a constitutional amendment to eliminate these taxes, which would require the support of at least 60% of voters. DeSantis has also removed the 2% state tax on commercial leases, representing a significant tax relief for small business owners.
What are the obstacles to eliminating property taxes in Florida?
Eliminating property taxes in Florida faces the hurdle of requiring a constitutional amendment, which must be approved by at least 60% of voters in a general election. In addition, there is political resistance, especially from leaders like House Speaker Daniel Pérez, who believes the current proposals do not provide structural tax relief. Property taxes are a key source of funding for essential services such as education and public safety, which further complicates their elimination.
How do the proposed changes to property taxes impact Florida residents?
The changes proposed by Ron DeSantis aim to reduce the tax burden on permanent residents of Florida, alleviating the impact of property valuation on taxes. Although some municipalities have seen increases in property values, more moderate fiscal adjustments are expected compared to previous years. The elimination of certain taxes, such as those on commercial leases, is also intended to benefit small business owners and, overall, to solidify Florida's reputation as a low-tax state.
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