Rep. Randy Fine Critiques Property Tax System

During an interview at the 2026 Republican Jewish Coalition National Leadership Summit, Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) expressed strong discontent with property taxes, stating they make homeownership feel like renting from the government. He discussed this with Breitbart News Editor-in-Chief Alex Marlow, especially in light of an ongoing movement in Florida aimed at abolishing property taxes.

Fine noted that property taxes could be considered one of the most unjust forms of taxation. He elaborated that if someone stops paying these taxes, they could lose their home. “Just think about it,” he remarked. “It’s not really ownership if you can lose it over unpaid taxes.”

He further criticized the system for being uninfluenced by individuals’ personal circumstances. For instance, losing a job or unexpectedly winning a lottery doesn’t affect how much one pays in property taxes, which he found quite unfair.

Offering a perspective on a better approach, Fine suggested that a fairer system could replace property taxes with increased sales taxes. He believes that sales taxes are more manageable since they can reflect one’s financial situation. If someone decides to splurge after a lottery win, they’ll pay more. Conversely, if someone’s finances tighten, their tax burden would lessen.

Fine also pointed out that due to the significant increase in property values in Florida, local government revenues have surged faster than population growth, leading to rising tax bills. He explained that the upcoming amendment on the ballot—Amendment 3—would not eliminate property taxes but would introduce new exemptions aimed at decreasing tax bills for many homeowners by approximately $3,000 annually.

The proposed measure would allow homeowners with primary residences in Florida to lower their home’s taxable value by up to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028.