Investing and Assets

DeSantis Pushes Plan to End Property Taxes for Paid-Off Homes

Published

May 11, 2025

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis made a stop in Jacksonville Friday morning to pitch a bold new vision for property tax relief, arguing that Florida families deserve to truly own their homes “free and clear” once they’ve paid them off.

During his remarks, DeSantis highlighted the financial burden that property taxes place on working and middle-class homeowners across the state, particularly those who’ve lived in their homes for decades. “If you’re thinking about a family of four affording when the median home price is purchased in Florida, that’s a pretty hefty tax bill right after buying a home,” DeSantis said. “And when you consider what the average is throughout the United States of America, the math just doesn’t add up.”

DeSantis likened ongoing property taxes to an unfair penalty on ownership. “You don’t own your home if you have to keep paying the government every year just to stay in it,” he said. “If I go to Best Buy and buy a flat screen TV, I pay a sales tax once—I don’t keep paying tax on it year after year. Why should your home be different?”

Citing the writings of Alexander Hamilton in the Federalist Papers, DeSantis argued that the founders envisioned taxation based primarily on consumption, not ownership. He said taxing property is one of the worst forms of taxation because Americans have no choice in the matter—calling it a form of “drilling” taxpayers that contradicts the constitutional philosophy of limited government.

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The governor acknowledged that property taxes have long been used by local governments to fund services but said the system now places disproportionate pressure on average homeowners, especially in high-growth states like Florida.

While DeSantis did not unveil specific legislative language, he floated the idea of phasing out property taxes on primary residences once mortgages are paid off—something he says would restore true property rights to Florida citizens.

“I’d like to see people able to own free and clear,” he said. “You paid for the house, you paid the taxes during the transaction, and now you should be able to enjoy your property without the government hanging over your head.”

The proposal is expected to spark debate among lawmakers and local officials who rely heavily on property tax revenue. But DeSantis appears ready to make the case directly to Floridians: homeownership, he argues, shouldn’t come with a lifelong tax bill.