Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has sparked a major debate by suggesting that the state could eliminate property taxes altogether. In a recent social media post, he called property taxes “oppressive and ineffective,” asking the question: “Is it your property, or not?”While the idea sounds appealing to homeowners tired of yearly tax bills, it raises big questions about how Florida would fund schools, law enforcement, and other essential services.
Could Florida Really Get Rid of Property Taxes?
DeSantis has a plan in place and isn’t just making audacious claims. Senate Bill 852, filed by State Senator Jonathan Martin, would establish a study to determine if property taxes can be eliminated. The investigation would also look into other revenue-raising strategies, such raising sales taxes.
Right now, property taxes provide billions of dollars in funding for local governments. If they’re eliminated, the state would need to find another way to pay for public schools, roads, and emergency services.
How Would Florida Make Up for Lost Revenue?
Without property taxes, Florida would need another major source of income. Some experts warn that the most likely solution would be raising sales taxes—possibly by a lot.