Ron DeSantis rips property taxes as ‘rent to government,’ says US homeowners are treated like ATMs. What you can do

Moneywise and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below.

Imagine buying a home 30 years ago, working hard to pay off the mortgage and finally owning it outright — only to find you’re still far from “off the hook.” Property tax bills arrive every year and in many locations, they’ve been climbing fast. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis says he’s had enough.

"[People] have their homes paid off and they bought it 30 years ago for a certain amount. Now they're being told it's worth so much more and they have to pony up more and more money,” DeSantis said in a video posted to X (1).

Must Read

• Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how

• Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake — here’s what it is and 3 simple steps to fix it ASAP

• Wealthy investors are turning to this niche strategy to stay steady through big market swings. Here’s how it could also work for you

“It's almost like they have to pay rent to the government, just to be able to enjoy their property. That's wrong. We need to do something about it.”

For many Floridians, that “pony up more and more money” line hits close to home. According to a Redfin report, the Sunshine State is home to three of the five major U.S. metros where property tax bills have increased the most since 2019 (2). In Jacksonville, the median monthly property tax rose 59.6% to $228 between 2019 and 2024. Tampa’s increased 56.7% to $250, while Miami’s climbed 48.1% to $367.

DeSantis argues that the current system effectively treats homeowners like an ongoing source of revenue.

“You have a home, you're homesteaded. You should own it. You shouldn't be taxed — it shouldn't be an ATM for the local government," DeSantis said (3). "That’s the vision we want to see.

He’s also pushing to turn that vision into reality, saying a proposal to eliminate property taxes on homestead properties is “coming to a ballot near you in November of 2026.” DeSantis said 60% of Florida voters need to approve the constitutional amendment in order for it to pass (4).

However, while DeSantis frames the issue as a matter of principle, experts point out that property taxes play a vital role in funding local government and public services.

According to the Florida Policy Institute, the state’s tax on real property accounts for 18% of county revenue, 17% of municipal revenue and between 50% and 60% of school district revenue (5). Property taxes also help local governments address community needs, including police and fire protection, education and safety net programs.

Feeling the squeeze? Here are easier ways to invest in property

At the end of the day, rising property taxes are just one part of the broader affordability squeeze hitting Americans. With housing, insurance and everyday living costs climbing, many people are looking for ways to keep up — and real estate has long been viewed as a reliable hedge against inflation.

When inflation rises, property values often increase as well, reflecting the higher costs of materials, labor and land. At the same time, rental income tends to go up, providing landlords with a revenue stream that adjusts with inflation.

For those who want exposure to this asset class without taking on a full mortgage, dealing with tenants and repairs, or worrying about unpredictable tax bills, there are now easier ways to invest.

Trending: Robert Kiyosaki says this 1 asset will surge 400% in a year — and he begs investors not to miss its ‘explosion’

Build your real estate portfolio — starting with $100

Crowdfunding platforms like Arrived have made it easier than ever for everyday investors to gain exposure to America’s real estate market.

Backed by world-class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived allows you to invest in shares of rental homes with as little as $100, all without the hassle of mowing lawns, fixing leaky faucets or handling difficult tenants.

The process is simple: browse a curated selection of homes that have been vetted for their appreciation and income potential. Once you find a property you like, select the number of shares you’d like to purchase and then sit back as you start receiving any positive rental income distributions from your investment.

Be the landlord of Walmart

If you’ve ever been a landlord, you know how important it is to have reliable tenants.

How do grocery stores sound?

That’s where First National Realty Partners (FNRP) comes in. The platform allows accredited investors to diversify their portfolio through grocery-anchored commercial properties without taking on the responsibilities of being a landlord.

With a minimum investment of $50,000, investors can own a share of properties leased by national brands like Whole Foods, Kroger and Walmart, which provide essential goods to their communities. Thanks to triple net leases, accredited investors are able to invest in these properties without worrying about tenant costs cutting into their potential returns.

Simply answer a few questions — including how much you would like to invest — to start browsing their full list of available properties.

Tap into the home equity market

Another option is to look at the $34.9 trillion U.S. home equity market, something that has historically been the exclusive playground of large institutions.

But Homeshares is changing the game by allowing accredited investors to gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund — without the headaches of buying, owning, or managing property.

The fund focuses on homes with substantial equity, utilizing Home Equity Agreements (HEAs) to help homeowners access liquidity without incurring debt or additional interest payments.

This approach can provide an effective, hands-off way to invest in high-quality residential properties, with the added benefit of diversification across regional markets – with a minimum investment of $25,000.

With risk-adjusted target returns ranging from 14% to 17%, the U.S. Home Equity Fund could unlock lucrative real estate opportunities, offering accredited investors a low-maintenance alternative to traditional property ownership.

You May Also Like

• Get access to this $12B real estate firm's pipeline of income-producing property deals. The best part? They put 20% of their own capital every single time

• Are you richer than you think? 5 clear signs you’re punching way above the average American’s wealth

• Warren Buffett used 8 solid, repeatable money rules to turn $9,800 into a $150B fortune. Start using them today to get rich (and stay rich)

• Approaching retirement with no savings? Don’t panic, you're not alone. Here are 6 easy ways you can catch up (and fast)

Article sources

We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.

@EricLDaugh (1); RedFin (2); WPTV (3); @RonDeSantis (4); Florida Policy Institute (5)

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.