JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, a Jacksonville Republican now running for governor, kicked off what he’s calling his “Affordability Now” tour this week in Northeast Florida, arguing that everyday costs have outpaced Floridians’ ability to keep up.
In an interview with Kent Justice, Renner said the pressure is broad — from taxes and insurance to electric bills, health care and groceries — and he’s proposing a property-tax plan he says would deliver sweeping relief to homeowners, renters and small businesses.
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Note to readers: Portions of Renner’s remarks are summarized below for clarity and brevity. Direct quotes are used where indicated.
‘Costs…far exceeding people’s incomes’
Renner said what he hears most often is that incomes aren’t keeping pace with rising costs.
Renner said, “Well overall it’s that cost are not you know, far exceeding people’s incomes ability to afford. That’s true of taxes, insurance, electric bills, health care, groceries.”
He argued state government can directly influence some of those costs — particularly taxes and insurance — through policy changes.
Renner proposes $34 billion property-tax cut, targets out-of-state investors
Renner is pitching what he called the “boldest” tax plan in the governor’s race: a $34 billion reduction in property taxes, which he described as the largest in Florida history.
Renner said the plan would be paid for through a combination of government savings and what he described as alternative taxes that shift some of the burden away from Florida residents and toward out-of-state entities.
Renner also argued that out-of-state investment firms are buying up single-family homes and converting them into rentals — limiting inventory for would-be buyers.
Renner said, “They’re buying up over 100,000 single family homes and turning those into rentals that are not available for people to afford a home here in Florida.”
What about local services like police, fire and schools?
A central concern with cutting property taxes is whether local governments can still fund core services. Renner said his plan would protect essential services.
Renner said, “Well, it it’s fully funded. So, it covers, that so all the essential services police, fire, schools, infrastructure, very important.”
Would voters have to approve it?
Renner said his plan would require a constitutional amendment, meaning it would go to voters.
Renner said, “It does, and it has to get to 60%…”
Renner also criticized the Legislature for not putting a property-tax relief measure on the ballot, despite Gov. Ron DeSantis calling for action.
Renner said, “The legislature has done nothing. They’ve failed. They don’t have one thing on the ballot to save $1 property tax as we speak.”
Electric bills and insurance: Renner calls for ‘very tangible’ changes
Renner pointed to electric bills and insurance as major drivers of the cost of living.
On electric rates, Renner argued the state should emphasize reliability and lower-cost power and criticized what he described as incentives that reward utilities for spending rather than delivering the lowest price.
Renner said, “Remember the utilities - unlike capitalism, they get paid not on delivering the best price to you. They get paid on how much they spend.”
On property insurance, Renner said he believes regulatory changes could bring rates down quickly and suggested repealing taxes applied to homeowner insurance premiums.
What’s next
Renner’s affordability tour continues as the 2026 governor’s race develops, with property taxes, insurance, and utility costs expected to remain central issues for Florida voters.
Renner will appear on this Sunday’s episode of This Week in Jacksonville at 9 a.m.