DeSantis Pushes Property Tax Repeal: “An Unjust System Built on Unrealized Gains”
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Florida governor eyes 2026 ballot initiative to eliminate property taxes statewide

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis launched a blistering attack on property taxes Tuesday, vowing to “end the rent” Floridians pay to local governments and pledging to pursue a ballot initiative to abolish them entirely.

Speaking at a beachfront press conference that began with the signing of Senate Bill 1622—a measure clarifying public beach access—DeSantis shifted quickly to the issue of property taxes, calling them “an unjust system built on punishing people for owning property.”

“We’re going to work hard to provide relief,” DeSantis said, adding that eliminating property taxes altogether would require voter approval. “Just get ready—you’re going to have an opportunity to do that.”

The governor’s comments offered a preview of what could become a major campaign for the 2026 election cycle. He likened property taxes to taxing unrealized gains, noting that homeowners are forced to pay higher taxes when property values increase, even if they never sell their homes.

“You buy a stock, you hold it, and you’re taxed when you sell it,” DeSantis said. “But to say you’re just enjoying property and, all of a sudden, the value rises—so you have to pony up? We don’t really do that with anything else.”

A full video clip of DeSantis’ remarks was shared by journalist Eric Daugherty on X, who reported: “BREAKING: Governor Ron DeSantis goes off on property taxes, calls them unfair and ultimately wants them ABOLISHED.”

DeSantis described how many Florida transplants have benefited from rising home values but are now being penalized for it through escalating tax bills. “Our property tax system basically relies on these unrealized gains,” he said.

While the governor stopped short of unveiling formal ballot language, he strongly suggested a voter initiative was forthcoming: “I’m sure it’s going to be very favorably received in Walton County—and probably everywhere else in this part of the state.”

Senate Bill 1622, which was signed into law during the same event, repeals a controversial provision tied to the “customary use” doctrine regarding beach access rights. But DeSantis made clear that property tax reform will be his next major focus.

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