As Florida's July budget deadline approaches, tensions are escalating in Tallahassee over how best to provide tax relief to residents.
Gov. Ron DeSantis is threatening to veto a proposed sales tax cut, putting him at odds with House leadership and highlighting a growing divide over who should benefit most: Florida homeowners or all consumers, including tourists.
Sales Tax Cut Gets Mixed Reviews from Business Owners
One proposal from House lawmakers would lower the state sales tax rate from 6% to 5.25%, a move some retailers say could help boost business, particularly for high-end goods.
“I believe in a business like mine, where we’re dealing with higher-ticket items like a Rolex, a diamond, or a $20,000 piece of jewelry, that 1% decrease would encourage a retail sale,” said Shanna Martas, who owns Downtown Jewelry & Watch Co. in Fort Myers.
However, Martas questioned whether such a cut would benefit everyday shoppers or smaller businesses.
“That small decrease might not make a difference on the bottom line for someone buying food, versus retail of jewelry or a car,” she added.
Governor Pushes for Property Tax Relief Instead
DeSantis has made it clear he opposes the sales tax cut, arguing that it would benefit out-of-state visitors more than full-time residents.
“While we appreciate people who come and visit here, I don’t want to be cutting their taxes. I want to be cutting your taxes,” DeSantis said at a roundtable in Tampa this week.
Instead, the governor is advocating for targeted property tax rebates of up to $1,000 for homesteaded residents — homeowners who permanently reside in Florida.
For people like Dee Kramer, a retiree in Gateway, property tax relief would offer meaningful help.
“The generation now that has paid off their house — that’s a bill that is forever. You shouldn’t be renting your homes anymore,” Kramer said, referring to ongoing property tax payments.
House Speaker Responds: ‘We Can Do Both’
Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez pushed back on the governor’s stance, suggesting the state could pursue both types of tax relief — and calling DeSantis' veto threat misguided.
“If you want to reduce or abolish property taxes, it has to go on the ballot,” Perez said. “He is giving out stipend checks to people with a homestead property. We can cut the sales tax and still work toward bigger reforms.”
Perez didn’t mince words about his frustration with the governor.
“I never thought in a million years that Ron DeSantis — the man we loved for so long — has lost his mind and lost his way to say he’s going to veto the largest tax cut in the history of the state of Florida,” he said.
What’s Next?
With both sides standing firm, the future of Florida’s tax relief plan remains uncertain. Lawmakers have until July 1 to pass a final budget, and Floridians are watching closely.
“There’s a limited income,” said D.A. Panaccione of North Fort Myers. “People need a break, and I think a sales tax cut would be fine — but everything will even out in the end.”
Whether the final decision favors a lower sales tax or direct property tax relief, many are hoping the legislature and the governor can find common ground — and deliver savings to taxpayers across the state.
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