Gov. DeSantis details proposal to eliminate Florida property taxes; Jacksonville councilmembers divided

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis is expanding on his plan to eliminate property taxes in Florida — a proposal that is drawing mixed reactions from Jacksonville city council members.

DeSantis outlined the concept during an appearance on Fox & Friends, saying the plan would apply only to homesteaded properties. Families’ second homes, investment properties and vacation rentals would continue to be taxed.

MORE | ‘Eliminate them:’ Florida property tax cuts just got closer to becoming real

The governor said counties could make up for the lost revenue by relying on the state’s budget surplus, which state economists project will total nearly $4 billion next year.

One of the key concerns raised by critics is how counties would continue to fund core services — including law enforcement, fire departments and public schools — without property tax revenue, which is currently the largest source of income for local governments.

Jacksonville officials respond

News4JAX contacted Jacksonville City Council members to gauge their reaction to the governor’s proposal. Their responses varied widely:

City Council President Kevin Carrico: “I applaud Governor DeSantis for his leadership and for putting forward bold ideas that give property owners the relief they deserve. Here in Jacksonville, I led the effort to provide meaningful property tax relief in this year’s budget, but there’s more work to do. We must continue eliminating waste, improving efficiency, and identifying responsible ways to cut taxes so families can afford to live and thrive in our city.”

Councilmember Jimmy Peluso, District 7: “I’m honestly in favor of a homestead exemption that benefits our working families. This would likely mean an additional $50,000 to $100,000 exemption and reforming how much property value can be increased per year. However, to eliminate the property tax entirely is far too harmful to any local government. The long-term effects this will have on supporting our neighbors and communities is just too great. Furthermore, cutting the tax entirely is a giveaway to the wealthiest homeowners who live on the river or ocean, and under this proposal, they wouldn’t have to pay anything? That isn’t fair to working-class and middle-class residents who would now have to shoulder the cost of paying for police, hospitals, fire stations and amenities people expect. As elected leaders, we have a responsibility to our voters to ensure public safety is funded, but so are our parks, roads and services for children. Lastly, if the new law only applies to police funding, it still runs the risk of cutting pension benefits for our first responders and staff. Extending the exemption could provide relief, but cutting it entirely is dangerous. Now, if they really wanted to solve a problem, the governor should stabilize Citizens Insurance and bring down these insurance costs that have grown by 40%. But we don’t hear about that plan.”

Councilmember Matt Carlucci, At-Large: “I don’t support the governor’s proposal. It undercuts local home rule while crippling our ability to fund basic public services and public safety, and it offers no solution for the problems it would create.”

Councilmember Rory Diamond, District 13: “Jacksonville homeowners are getting crushed by property taxes and homeowners’ insurance. I support any and every effort to cut those taxes and provide some relief.”

Councilmember Ken Amaro: “I support tax relief. Like other property owners, I have seen the increase in taxes; my concern is if all property taxes are removed, how do you pay for public safety and public education? The decision on property taxes needs to be fully evaluated. If you get rid of property taxes, where are you going to make up the deficit? I am watching to see what comes out of the Legislature.”