DeSantis Pushes for Property Tax Elimination

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis plans to phase out property taxes benefiting only local homeowners, excluding snowbirds and out-of-state investors. Speaking at a property tax roundtable in Brevard County, DeSantis expressed disinterest in offering tax cuts to wealthy foreign buyers, highlighting his focus on aiding Florida residents.

Such a shift might drive away snowbirds, crucial to Florida’s seasonal economy. Many have already started leaving the state, spurred by increasing home insurance rates, homeowners association fees, and local taxes.

Proposed Reforms in Florida

DeSantis has advocated for eliminating homestead property taxes entirely. However, legislation to introduce the proposal to voters has not yet been passed. The Florida House previously passed a bill to increase the homestead exemption gradually over a decade, exempting homesteads from non-school taxes by 2037. Unfortunately, the Senate did not advance this bill.

House Joint Resolution 203 remains in uncertainty. DeSantis, however, remains hopeful about the potential for implementing phased property tax elimination. His plan is to protect long-standing Floridians while restricting immediate homestead exemptions for newcomers to the state.

Implementing Floridian-First Policies

The governor seeks to prevent local governments from shifting tax burdens to small businesses, ensuring continued funding for law enforcement and education. He aims to prioritize long-term Floridians in tax benefits, promoting a waiting period for newcomers to qualify for exemptions.

“Not every local government will agree, but given the numbers, it’s feasible,” DeSantis said, emphasizing a balanced approach.

Potential Impact on Residents

Since the pandemic, property taxes have risen nationwide due to high demand and limited home inventory. Florida’s property taxes have nearly doubled from 2019 to 2025, totaling about $55-60 billion. Despite this, Florida’s effective property tax rate ranks medium at 0.79%, compared to the highest—New Jersey—at 2.23%.

Many Floridians support property tax relief, yet prefer maintaining current taxes over raising the general sales tax. The Florida Policy Institute suggests a potential rate increase to 12% to offset revenue losses if property taxes are removed entirely.

Snowbirds’ Potential Exit

Snowbirds and out-of-state investors, who do not qualify for Florida’s homestead exemption, face higher tax burdens. DeSantis’ proposed reforms could increase costs for second homes and investments, potentially driving more snowbirds away.

A New Yorker shared their decision to leave Florida, citing unsustainable property taxes and fees as reasons. This sentiment reflects a broader trend: a significant number of Canadian snowbirds are reducing their visits to Florida, choosing other destinations like Mexico and Panama instead. Many Canadians are considering selling their Florida properties amid a slow housing market.

Economic Implications

The departure of snowbirds could negatively impact Florida’s economy, reducing tourism and tax revenues. Snowbirds contribute significant amounts in taxes, enhancing the state’s economy, particularly in South Florida.

This situation has sparked debate, as seen in varied reactions on social media. Some argue that shifting the tax burden excessively could penalize renters and small businesses, raising housing costs even further.

Experts caution that cost increases might disproportionately favor wealthy homeowners while disadvantaging those unable to afford homeownership. Pending legislative agreement, any proposal must secure a 60% voter majority to amend Florida’s constitution.