Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently expressed his support for abolishing property taxes in the state, a proposal that would require a constitutional amendment to implement. Speaking on social media, DeSantis acknowledged the challenges of such a move, noting that local property taxes would need a significant voter approval—specifically, 60%—to be eliminated or even reformed.
The governor’s comments came in response to a suggestion from a user on X (formerly Twitter) advocating for the removal of property taxes. DeSantis stated, "Property taxes are local, not state. So we’d need to do a constitutional amendment (requires 60% of voters to approve) to eliminate them (which I would support) or even to reform/lower them." He emphasized the need for a bold approach to put an amendment on the ballot that could garner the necessary support from voters.
DeSantis, who is currently serving his second term after a decisive re-election in 2022, highlighted his belief that taxing property is an ineffective and burdensome form of taxation. "I agree that taxing land/property is the more oppressive and ineffective form of taxation," he added. This statement aligns with his broader fiscal philosophy, which has been a cornerstone of his administration.
The proposal has garnered attention, including endorsements from notable figures such as Eric Trump, who praised DeSantis for leading the way on this issue. Since the governor’s tweet, it has received over 50,000 likes, reflecting a significant public interest in the idea.
In addition to his stance on property taxes, DeSantis has been active in various political arenas, including his recent presidential campaign, which he suspended after a disappointing performance in the Iowa caucus earlier this year. Following his exit from the race, he endorsed former President Donald Trump, signaling his continued alignment with Trump’s political agenda.
As discussions surrounding property taxes continue, DeSantis’s proposal may spark further debate among Florida residents and lawmakers about the future of taxation in the state. The governor’s willingness to tackle such a contentious issue could play a crucial role in shaping his political legacy and influence in Florida.