Ron DeSantis on ending property taxes statewide

DeSantis Pushes to Eliminate Property Taxes, Raising Funding Questions

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is ramping up his efforts to eliminate property taxes in the state, sparking debate over how key local services would be funded if the plan moves forward.

Speaking at a Monday press conference, DeSantis reaffirmed his commitment to curbing or outright banning property tax collection at the local level—revenues that currently generate over $40 billion annually for Florida.

"Just for being on your property, you’ve got to write a check to the government every year, so you’re basically paying rent to the government to live on your own property," DeSantis said. "We’re going to be looking at ways to bring relief from that because it’s something that’s really pinching homeowners, especially seniors on fixed incomes."

A Bold but Contentious Proposal

The idea of eliminating property taxes is a radical departure from the norm—every U.S. state currently taxes real estate, with rates set and collected at the local level but governed by state law.

In Florida, property taxes are a major source of funding for schools, infrastructure, and emergency services—investments that, in turn, help maintain and increase property values.

DeSantis’ proposal quickly gained traction among Republican lawmakers, with state legislators introducing two bills in recent days aimed at reducing or phasing out property taxes.

However, the idea was immediately met with resistance from local officials, who questioned how essential services—such as police and fire departments—would be funded without this revenue stream.

"Something close to 100% of the cost of our police and fire departments here in Oviedo are funded by property taxes," wrote Oviedo Mayor Megan Sladek on Facebook. "Until public safety is figured out, I think ditching property taxes is a dumb idea."