Florida’s Property-Tax Plan Risks Charging Fees for ‘Everything’

Palm Beach can count on its billionaires to keep picking up the tab for schools, firefighters and parks if Florida slashes property taxes. Many other local governments will have a tougher time making up the difference.

After more than a year of teasing the idea, Governor Ron DeSantis on Wednesday floated a plan that could eventually eliminate property taxes for more than 90% of Florida residents who own their homes, shifting the bulk of the tax burden onto the state’s wealthiest homeowners.

The Republican governor’s proposal would initially increase the state’s homestead exemption, which shields a portion of the value ...