Florida lawmakers debate property tax elimination proposal

FORT MYERS, Fla. —

As the deadline approaches for Florida property owners to pay their taxes and receive a discount, Gov. Ron DeSantis' proposal to eliminate property taxes altogether is stirring debate among lawmakers, who suggest increasing the homestead exemption as a more likely outcome.

Chris Nugent, a property owner in Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres, expressed his desire for property taxes on primary residences to be completely eliminated. "If you are paying somebody else for your property, it's not yours," Nugent said. "I would like to see property taxes on primary residences, aka homesteaded property, eliminated outright! Just eliminate it completely."

DeSantis has been calling on lawmakers to eliminate property taxes, stating, "They were elected to cut property taxes, which they've refused to do."

However, Lee Property Appraiser Matt Caldwell has cautioned about the potential trade-offs, noting, "We do have to be honest and open about what the trade-offs will be. It will likely mean an increase in the sales tax."

Florida Senate President Ben Albritton emphasized earlier this year that addressing property taxes is a priority. "We are developing many of our own ideas and obviously working with the governor on any ideas he may have," Albritton said.

State Rep. Adam Botana expressed skepticism about completely eliminating the tax. "We can't just wipe everything out because I like our sandy beaches, I like my roads, too, so we have to figure out a nice middle road to get that done," Botana said. He revealed that a potential middle ground could involve raising the homestead exemption from $50,000 to $250,000, which could mean no taxes for some and reduced taxes for others.

Many retirees have found the increased tax to be a burden, but for Nugent, the proposed changes are still insufficient. "It's not my property. It's the government's property. I'm paying taxes to the lord of the land," he said.

This issue is expected to be closely watched when lawmakers begin meeting on Jan. 13. Meanwhile, property owners looking to secure a 3% discount on their taxes must pay them before Dec. 31.

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