The Democratic hysteria over Republican proposals to cut or possibly eliminate property taxes for Florida homeowners stems from a liberal media portrayal that these proposals are poorly thought out, with no real plan to replace tax revenue. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Recent “sky is falling!” opinion pieces in major news outlets ignored state Rep. Ryan Chamberlin’s three-part plan to phase out and eliminate property taxes by tapping other revenue sources. His “Freedom 1-2-3” plan deserves consideration even if it frightens tax-hungry Democrats. After all, Democrats pay property taxes, too.
Given the sizable and growing Republican voter registration advantage in Florida, becoming the first state to abolish property taxes could be a defeat that Democrats may never recover from, if they side with big government over homeowners.
The centerpiece of “Freedom 1-2-3” is a 5% real estate transaction tax. This fee, included in a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, would be much cheaper for property owners than more property taxes.
The plan also suggests shifting the tax burden to tourist-related activities, placing the burden on the growing number of visitors to Florida. In 2023, spending by out-of-state visitors rose by 4.9% to $131 billion. Other possible revenue sources include a 3% sales tax for schools. The cost of public schools is mainly paid by homeowners, many of whom don’t have kids in school.
Eliminating property taxes deserves thoughtful discussion, not knee-jerk reactions from politicians who tremble at the prospect of lost real estate assessments, millage rate adjustments, revenue distribution, the power to confiscate property and the bureaucracy that presides over it.
John Daly Sr., Coral Springs
Tallahassee power grab
In a recent news article on the proposed property tax overhaul, you emphasized average and median homeowner savings. Those proposals primarily benefit wealthy homeowners.
The main point is buried — that the Legislature wants to eliminate a major revenue source for local governments with no plan to replace lost revenue.
Governments with significant homesteaded properties cannot cut vital services like police to make up the shortfall. Do they increase sales taxes and/or the millage rate on businesses and rentals, which will cause higher rents and higher prices?
What services will they cut? This is a power grab disguised as a benefit, giving the state more control over counties and cities by stripping them of local authority, like the Live Local Act.
Since colonial times, landowners have paid taxes to support local government and for the poor. These legislative proposals would shift the tax burden to the nonwealthy.
Pam Paschke, Boca Raton
Reconsidering
How is it that only letters that agree with the Sun Sentinel Editorial Board’s views are published?
Is it because only those letters the board finds acceptable get through the wringer?
Is it because the board is so wise that it is impossible to disagree with them? Is it because they only receive letters from readers who agree?
Maybe it’s time to reconsider subscribing to a newspaper where only one side is presented in a favorable light by the least diverse bunch of opinion journalists in Florida.
Osvaldo Valdes, Hollywood
Editor’s Note: We published this letter, with its criticism of the Sun Sentinel. ‘Nuff said.
Greene’s exit
I want to forgive and forget, but history always tells the tale. I like what Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene transformed herself into (before resigning), but she still has much to explain.
First, her ardent support of Trump even after Jan. 6 and all through the big lies promoting “stop the steal” would require many TV appearances that she was wrong and lied about her convictions.
Her not agreeing with policies that affect her family does not obliterate the impact of the egregious immigration program on people. Not one word about that came from her. That’s not acceptable.
Crossing the political aisle to deter this debacle of an administration is welcome. Journalists must be clear and ask her many more questions about her beliefs, to see who she really is.
Linda Gefen, Boca Raton
Please submit a letter to the editor by email to letterstotheeditor@sunsentinel.com or fill out the online form below. Letters may be up to 200 words and must be signed with your email address, city of residence and daytime phone number for verification. Letters will be edited for clarity and length.
