TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signaled that he is open to the idea of eliminating property taxes in Florida — and a Senate bill has been filed that would order a study to see if it's feasible.

State Sen. Jonathan Martin — a Republican from Fort Myers — introduced Senate Bill 852, which calls for a legislative study on how Florida could get rid of property taxes, and would explore alternatives like a sales-based consumption tax.

DeSantis recently posted on X that he is open to the idea of eliminating, reforming, or lowering property taxes. He said in part: “I agree that taxing land/property is the more oppressive and ineffective form of taxation."

While it remains in the early stages, some like Dr. Michael Snipes — a professor of economics at the University of South Florida — say doing away with property taxes in Florida could have a negative impact.

“I mean that’s possible, that’s feasible, but that’s something that’s going to affect everybody," Snipes said. "With something like a consumption tax — that disproportionately affects lower-income individuals than higher-income individuals,."

He also said that property taxes are vital for funding things like education and public services.

“It sounds really good on paper, but I would really be careful about — just as a individual, individual homeowner, or even if you are renting — I would be very careful about this," Snipes said.

SB 852 has been filed and the findings are set to be submitted to the Florida Senate and House of Representatives by Oct. 1.

It is very early in the process, but eliminating property taxes in Florida would require putting a constitutional amendment on the ballot — which would need at least 60% voter approval.