Donald Trump’s candidate for Florida Governor just took a bold position in the battle over property taxes

Donald Trump’s endorsed candidate made a move that surprised political insiders.

Florida Republicans face a critical showdown over tax relief.

And Donald Trump’s candidate for Florida Governor just took a bold position in the battle over property taxes.

Trump-backed candidate weighs in on Florida tax fight

Florida sits on the edge of a potential government shutdown as Republican leaders clash over how to deliver tax relief to Floridians.

The battle has forced lawmakers into an extended overtime session as the clock ticks down on a potential unprecedented state government shutdown in the Sunshine State.

At the center of the controversy is a fundamental disagreement between Governor Ron DeSantis and Republican leaders in the state legislature about what type of tax cut would best serve Florida residents.

While DeSantis is pushing for property tax relief, the Florida House under Speaker Daniel Perez (R-Miami) is advocating for a permanent sales tax cut instead.

Now, Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL), the only declared Republican candidate for Florida Governor in 2028 and a candidate endorsed by President Donald Trump, has waded into the tax battle – and his position might surprise some.

In an exclusive interview with Action News Jax, Donalds made it clear where he stands in the tax relief debate – with his one-time rival Ron DeSantis.

“Local governments and the state need to look at this very strongly, ways to protect Florida’s homeowners,” Donalds told Action News Jax. “People who have chosen Florida for their home, not just for the next couple of years, but definitely over the last couple of decades. We need to make sure that we’re protecting those people so they can still stay in their homes, live in their homes and enjoy the beauty of Florida.”

DeSantis and the legislature remain at a standoff

The showdown between DeSantis and House Republicans has reached a critical point, with the Governor threatening to veto any budget that includes a permanent sales tax cut, arguing it would jeopardize future efforts to permanently reduce property taxes.

DeSantis wants a property tax rebate this year followed by a permanent property tax relief measure that would be decided by voters on the 2026 ballot.

House Speaker Daniel Perez told Action News Jax on Friday that he hopes to find a compromise that would allow for both types of tax cuts.

“I am for doing both. Property taxes affect local government. Property taxes affect K-12 education. Property taxes affect police and fire. That’s a decision that people have to make at the ballot box, but I am for allowing the people to make that decision,” Perez said.

The standoff has significant implications for Florida taxpayers who continue to face rising housing costs despite the state’s economic success in other areas.

Why Donalds’ position matters

Donalds’ support for DeSantis’ property tax position is particularly noteworthy because of the complex political dynamics at play.

Donalds has received the coveted endorsement of former President Donald Trump in his gubernatorial bid. 

Meanwhile, DeSantis has repeatedly hinted that his wife, First Lady Casey DeSantis, may challenge Donalds for the Republican nomination – setting up what could be a proxy battle between Trump and DeSantis factions of the Republican Party.

The fact that Donalds is siding with DeSantis on this critical fiscal policy issue suggests the congressman is prioritizing policy over political alliances, at least on this issue.

Donalds, a former member of the Florida House, brings significant legislative experience to the tax debate. 

His position could help bridge the divide between the governor’s office and the legislature.

Despite the apparent deadlock, Donalds expressed confidence that state Republicans will eventually resolve their differences.

“This too shall pass. You know, politics is an interesting situation,” Donalds told Action News Jax. “You’ll see flare-ups like this from time to time, but at the end of the day, knowing everybody in there in Tallahassee, I think they’re gonna get this business done.”

The standoff highlights the challenges of governing even in a state where Republicans dominate all branches of government. 

With rising property insurance and housing costs continuing to burden many Florida residents, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Republican leaders to deliver meaningful relief.

As the clock ticks down, all eyes remain on Tallahassee to see whether DeSantis and legislative leaders can find common ground before a government shutdown becomes reality.