Florida lawmakers discuss a possible study into eliminating property taxes

A proposal that would start the ball rolling toward eliminating property taxes in Florida was heard this week in a House committee. It seeks a study to determine how much money would disappear and how local governments might recoup that revenue elsewhere.

“This bill (HB 1371) is about one thing. It's about starting down the road toward phasing out and eliminating Florida's property tax," said Rep. Ryan Chamberlin, R-Ocala.

He told the House Ways and Means Committee his bill would direct the research arm of the Legislature (OPPAGA) to conduct a study about what it would take to replace property taxes, which fund local government services like schools and roads.

Florida already has no state income tax. If property taxes go away, that money must be made up somehow. Rep. Joe Casello, D-Boynton Beach, noted that likely means a significant increase in sales taxes.