DeSantis’ Big Goal: End Property Taxes Before Leaving Office in 2026
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has never shied away from bold reforms, but his latest pledge may be his most ambitious yet. Speaking at the second annual State Freedom Caucus Summit in Dallas, DeSantis reaffirmed his commitment to eliminating property taxes for Florida homeowners before his term ends in January 2027.
His plan is nothing less than revolutionary: pushing for a constitutional amendment that would ask voters in November 2026 to decide whether the state should permanently abolish property taxes.
For decades, property taxes have been a sore spot for homeowners, rising steadily alongside skyrocketing home values while wages remain stagnant. DeSantis has consistently argued that property taxes are fundamentally unjust, calling them “rent to the government.”
In his view, the idea that a family could pay off their mortgage, yet still risk losing their home if they cannot keep up with tax bills, undermines the very notion of private property rights. His stance resonates deeply with conservatives and Christians who see homeownership not merely as a financial milestone but as a God-given stewardship responsibility—something not to be held hostage by perpetual taxation.
The Case Against Property Taxes
DeSantis frames his initiative as both a moral and economic necessity. With inflation eroding family budgets and housing costs soaring, homeowners are being crushed by tax bills that often climb faster than their paychecks. Even Florida’s generous homestead exemptions cannot keep up with the relentless rise in valuations. “When you own your home, you should own it outright,” DeSantis has argued, contending that government should not treat its citizens as perpetual tenants on their own land.
His proposal also addresses a larger economic philosophy: reducing government’s footprint. By abolishing property taxes, he aims to force local governments to curb unnecessary spending and rethink how essential services are funded. DeSantis believes this move will level the playing field for families who want to buy homes, rather than leaving housing markets dominated by investors and corporate landlords.
The Opposition Pushes Back
Predictably, the proposal has drawn sharp criticism. The Florida Policy Institute and other progressive think tanks warn that eliminating property taxes could leave a staggering $43 billion shortfall for local governments. Police departments, fire services, and schools all depend heavily on property tax revenue. Without it, critics claim, communities will face devastating cuts or be forced to impose steep hikes in other taxes and fees.
Some local officials have floated alternatives, such as raising tourism taxes or hiking sales taxes. But even these ideas face resistance. A statewide $5 billion sales tax cut is already being debated, with DeSantis arguing that it primarily benefits out-of-state visitors rather than Florida families. The tension highlights a broader question: how can the state balance tax relief for its residents without undermining the basic functions of government?
The Path Forward
Legally, abolishing property taxes requires more than political will. A constitutional amendment must win at least 60% voter approval on the November 2026 ballot. To prepare, the Florida House convened a select committee in May 2025 to study the issue, with another meeting scheduled for late September. DeSantis insists lawmakers are enthusiastic. “They are excited about being able to do it,” he said, signaling confidence in the road ahead.
Still, success will depend on whether Floridians see the trade-offs as worth it. Voters will weigh the promise of true homeownership against warnings of underfunded schools and stretched law enforcement budgets. The battle will be as much about vision as it is about numbers.
A Conservative Christian Perspective
From a Christian worldview, DeSantis’ proposal aligns with biblical principles of stewardship and liberty. Scripture teaches that “the borrower is slave to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7), and by extension, a homeowner who must pay endless taxes is never fully free. Families should be able to pass on property to their children without fear of government seizure for unpaid taxes. The vision of private ownership, rooted in hard work and generational blessing, is consistent with God’s design for flourishing households.
Critics who insist government cannot survive without property taxes overlook the biblical mandate for limited, just governance. Romans 13 affirms the role of government to reward good and restrain evil—but it does not justify unending financial oppression. Communities must fund essential services, yes, but they must also respect the sanctity of home and family. DeSantis’ proposal, while bold, challenges Florida to think creatively about taxation in a way that prioritizes citizens over bureaucracy.
If successful, Florida could become the first state in modern America to abolish property taxes—a move that could inspire other conservative states to follow suit. For DeSantis, it would be a lasting legacy: securing true homeownership for millions of Floridians and striking a blow against the creeping expansion of government power.
DeSantis – Florida – property taxes – constitutional amendment – homeowners – conservative politics – Christian worldview – tax reform – voter approval – government spending
