BILLBOARD News Now
DeSantis’ Dream
Governor Ron DeSantis dream of no Florida property tax and First Lady Casey as Governor got a boost this week when The James Madison Institute (JMI), a conservative think tank headquartered in Tallahassee, Florida released a public opinion survey regarding the elimination of property tax and governors race.
DeSantis’ strategy of getting rid of property tax is no doubt driven by his belief that will get more voters to the polls in 2026. The survey showed he may be on to something. Voters, who are concerned about property taxes, told JMI if such a constitutional amendment was on the ballot they would support it. Of those surveyed 65% favored the issue, with 15% opposed and 20% uncertain.
A huge voter turnout could have an impact on the Governor’s race. Even though First Lady Casey DeSantis has yet to reveal she would run for Governor, the survey showed people preferred the First Lady. She tops other candidates, Bryon Donalds 26%-23%, Paul Renner at 7%, Lt. Governor Jay Collins got 2% and Ag Commissioner Wilton Simpson 2%.
There is a significant downside to the DeSantis strategy. Voter attitudes about ending property tax could change quickly when they learn, the State & Counties would need to drastically cut public services and find tens of billions of dollars to replace the property tax.
Property taxes are the primary source of revenue for local governments, school districts, police and fire departments and other necessities. One can envision a huge battle waged by local governments against the constitutional tax cutting amendment. And if Casey DeSantis becomes a gubernatorial candidate this whole thing could adversely impact her.
In the meantime Democrat David Jolly is making it a race for Governor. The JMI survey showed Jolly in a match with GOP Bryon Donalds and independent state Senator Jason Pizzo. Donalds leads Jolly, 36%-32%, with Pizzo at 4%. In a three-way match with former House Speaker Paul Renner as the GOP candidate, Renner only leads Jolly, 34%-33%, with Pizzo at 5%.
When Gov. DeSantis wakes from his dream…we will find out how good he is at strategizing with his eyes closed.
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