Miami-Dade Commissioner floats idea of abolishing property taxes | Real Estate

While it might sound great, and some would say, where was this 30 years ago, at least two politicians are stirring the idea of abolishing property taxes on primary homes in Florida.

Gov. Ron DeSantis tossed out the notion a week ago, supporting a potential vote by the Florida Legislature in the upcoming session that could open the door for a study, at least, on such a blockbuster decision.

If carried out, the proposal would make Florida the first state without property taxes (already, there are no state taxes), an idea that has its supporters and opponents.

Last week, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kionne McGhee, from District 9, issued a statement that he would certainly support the idea while backing “hard-working Americans” who have toiled to see their American Dream become a reality.

“The elimination of property taxes on primary homes in Florida isn’t just a policy issue — it’s a moral imperative,” McGhee said. “For middle-class families, seniors, and veterans, the dream of homeownership represents more than just a roof over their heads. It’s a source of dignity, pride and the foundation for generational wealth. Yet, this dream is being shattered by a system that prioritizes revenue over people.”

In a statement on his personal X file, Gov. DeSantis wrote: “Property taxes are local, not state. So, we’d need to do a constitutional amendment (requires 60 percent of voters to approve) to eliminate them (which I would support) or even to reform/lower them. We should put the boldest amendment on the ballot that has a chance of getting that 60 percent. I agree that taxing land/property is the more oppressive and ineffective form of taxation.”

There is a catch to abolishing property taxes. Without property taxes, who would provide funding for schools, police and fire departments, parks, sanitation, water and roads?

Those dollars would have to come from somewhere, starting with a possible doubling of state taxes to fill that gap.

A bill filed last Tuesday in the Florida Senate calls for a formal study of how eliminating real estate taxes could affect public services and the state’s economy and housing market.

Currently, 72 percent of Key Biscayne’s revenues come from ad valorem taxes, according to Village Manager Steve Williamson.

A Spectrum News report from Tampa showed that some 70 percent of the public schools’ budget is funded through taxes.

According to a Florida Policy Institute report, the state would need to find about $43 billion elsewhere to make up for that loss of revenue to fund critical public services.

“Eliminating property taxes would strip local governments of their fiscal independence,” said analyst Esteban Leonardo Santis, author of the report that was released Monday.

McGhee pointed to the middle class, veterans and seniors who have been “betrayed” by rising property taxes that can result in the government seizures of their homes just for unpaid taxes.

“A home is more than just property — it’s the cornerstone of the American Dream,” his report read. “It’s a source of stability, a symbol of hard work, and a means to create generational wealth. For veterans, it’s a safe haven after years of sacrifice. For seniors, it’s the culmination of a lifetime of effort. For middle-class families, it’s the foundation of a brighter future. Yet, the government’s insistence on taxing primary homes threatens to destroy that dream for too many. It’s time to say enough is enough.”

State Sen. Jonathan Martin, R-Fort Myers, put forth SB 852, the bill calling for a study on the issue. That requires Florida’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research to study the feasibility of eliminating property taxes and replacing lost revenue with budget cuts and sales tax hikes at the state and local levels. The report would be due on Oct. 1.

“We must protect our middle-class families, our seniors, our veterans and our communities by abolishing property taxes on primary homes,” McGhee said. “No one should have to worry about losing everything they’ve worked for over a lifetime because the government can’t keep its hands out of their pockets. This is about fairness, respect, and honoring the contributions of those who have already given so much. Let’s stand up for what’s right.”

“Consider the middle-class families — teachers, nurses, factory workers, and small business owners — who pour their sweat and sacrifice into their jobs to provide for their families. For them, a home is more than just property; it’s a legacy, a way to build a better future for their children and grandchildren. But rising property taxes on fixed incomes threaten to strip that away, leaving families vulnerable to losing everything they’ve worked for.

“Now think of our veterans, the brave men and women who risked everything to defend our nation. After their service, many return home to face a new battle: keeping the roof over their heads. It’s a cruel irony that those who fought to protect our country could lose their homes because the government seizes and sells them over unpaid taxes. This isn’t just a financial hardship — it’s a betrayal of the very people who have given so much.

“For seniors, the situation is equally devastating. After decades of hard work, paying taxes, and contributing to their communities, they are forced to live in constant fear of losing their only home. These are individuals who have already paid their dues, yet the system continues to squeeze them, stripping away their stability, security, and dignity. A home represents their life’s work, their pride, and their hope to pass something meaningful on to the next generation.”

“Let’s ensure that hardworking Americans and our heroes can keep the homes they’ve earned, preserving their dignity, pride, and ability to build generational wealth. The government should never be in the business of seizing and selling the primary homes of those who have built and defended this nation. It’s time to prioritize people over profits and protect the American Dream for generations to come.”