Don’t eliminate property taxes in Florida
The latest proposal by Gov. Ron DeSantis is, as usual, a total con job designed to benefit the wealthy, defund public schools and local governments, and continue their push toward income inequality.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a press conference inside the Eastman Advanced Workforce Training Complex at the Indian River State College Fort Pierce campus on April 23 in Fort Pierce. Gov DeSantis discussed the Florida economy, property taxes, and development during his speech.
DeSantis’ proposal to eliminate property taxes is a completely regressive policy.
If DeSantis and his merry band of sycophants do manage to push through this ridiculous proposal, be forewarned that they will then increase the sales tax to make up for the shortfall in state funding – which will be another regressive hit for lower- and middle-income folks and a boon to the wealthy.
If they really wanted to help out struggling homeowners, they could increase the homestead exemption – which benefits lower-income-valued homes.
After taking that step, they could increase the mill rate to hit the wealthy homeowners and absentee vacation owners so that communities would not lose local revenue.
This would make lower-valued homes even more attractive, and the multimillion-dollar vacation homes would start paying a more equitable rate.
Gee, do you think Ron and his donors would ever agree to that?
Tim O’Neill, Venice
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This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: DeSantis property tax proposal will hurt most Floridians | Letters
