As Benjamin Franklin famously stated in reference to the newly established Constitution, it “has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Indeed, seemingly nothing is more certain than death and taxes. While there is little we can do to stop death, there may be an opportunity to at least change what is taxed.

Few taxes are more unpopular than property taxes. According to Gallup, the income tax is the only tax that is more unpopular.

However, property taxes are arguably the most unethical or immoral tax, especially in the American context. A property tax means one is never truly allowed to own property. In effect, property owners pay the government for the right to buy and hold property so long as they pay property taxes. Practically speaking, it’s as if the government owns the property, and the owner is merely renting it.

Owning property is one of the most fundamental ways one expresses both individual liberty and wealth generation, and generationally so.

Furthermore, the freedom to own property produces a more responsible citizenry. Those who don’t own property have less concern for what happens to property and are less invested in pursuing the betterment of it.

Yet property taxes have been established as one of the primary means by which local governments generate revenue. That revenue is theoretically used for the necessary services within a community, such as law enforcement, schools, and the fire department, to name the primary ones.

Besides property taxes being, in principle, an affront to individual property ownership, there is also the means by which property tax values are assessed. Even when a home is paid off, the homeowner must not only spend money for maintenance and improvement, but ever-increasing market values drive up assessments for property taxes year after year. For those on a fixed income, a rising expense on an asset becomes a major liability. It’s not as if a homeowner needing to pay off a property tax can liquidate a section of his home to pay off the taxman.

Since this is how it has always been, however, politicians don’t move to challenge it.

Well, that all recently changed when Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stated “I agree!” to this post on X: “Property Taxes should not be charged based on assumed value for new construction homes. I built my house affordably I should have affordable property taxes to match.”

DeSantis further opined, “Property taxes are local, not state. So we’d need to do a constitutional amendment (requires 60% of voters to approve) to eliminate them (which I would support) or even to reform/lower them… We should put the boldest amendment on the ballot that has a chance of getting that 60%… I agree that taxing land/property is the more oppressive and ineffective form of taxation…”

Property taxes are local, not state. So we’d need to do a constitutional amendment (requires 60% of voters to approve) to eliminate them (which I would support) or even to reform/lower them…

We should put the boldest amendment on the ballot that has a chance of getting that… https://t.co/WpOQmjNl0X

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) February 13, 2025

The Florida legislature has introduced SB 852, which would commission a study into the possibility of severely limiting or even eliminating property taxes in the Sunshine State.

This is a big deal for a state that does not collect income taxes but does have significant property taxes. As Florida has experienced significant growth over the last decade, market prices have risen, as have property taxes.

Preventing the expansion of property taxes would help protect those in fixed-income situations. However, should property taxes be eliminated, the Florida Policy Institute (FPI) estimates that it could necessitate doubling the state’s sales tax from 6% to 12% in order for localities to make up the lost revenue.

However, given that Florida is a major tourist destination, would it not take advantage of a higher sales tax for greater revenue generation?

The fact is that there is not a simple solution. A resolution will require thoughtfulness and the willingness of lawmakers to recognize what the government should and should not be paying for.

It’s good that Florida is seriously considering eliminating property taxes, and more states may be motivated to do the same.