Florida Governor Ron DeSantis asserts that socialism’s rise in national politics could unwittingly propel Florida’s property market into a boom.
At a Glance
- Governor Ron DeSantis predicts a Florida real estate boom if “socialist” Zohran Mamdani becomes NYC Mayor.
- DeSantis’s comments follow Mamdani’s victory in the Democratic primary, which saw former Governor Andrew Cuomo concede.
- The Governor is contrasting Mamdani’s progressive platform with his own push to eliminate property taxes in Florida.
- Florida has already seen property values surge due to migration from high-tax, Democrat-led states.
DeSantis Predicts a “Socialist” Windfall for Florida
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis wasted no time in seizing on the victory of Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani in the New York City mayoral primary, predicting the progressive’s rise will send more New Yorkers fleeing to the Sunshine State. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, DeSantis quipped that Mamdani’s policies would be a boon for Florida’s already hot real estate market.
“If this socialist mayor candidate wins—you’re going to see real estate value skyrocket even more in Palm Beach, because people are going to get out of that city,” DeSantis said, according to Fox News. “As bad as DeBlasio was, this guy is going to be way, way worse.”
A Tale of Two Platforms
DeSantis’s comments highlight the stark contrast between his “Florida Blueprint” and the agenda proposed by Mamdani. The 33-year-old Democratic nominee’s platform includes a $30 minimum wage, rent freezes, and the creation of city-run grocery stores. DeSantis slammed these proposals as unworkable, particularly taking aim at Mamdani’s public safety ideas.
“He doesn’t think that you should have law enforcement in dangerous parts of the city, that you should send in social workers,” DeSantis said. “See how that works out for you. It ain’t going to work out well.” The Governor’s critique echoes that of other conservative figures, including President Donald Trump, who labeled Mamdani a “100% Communist Lunatic.”
DeSantis’s Strategic Counter: No Property Taxes
The Governor is using the political shift in New York to bolster his own signature policy proposals in Florida. As reported by the Daily Caller, DeSantis is actively pushing for a state constitutional amendment to be placed on the 2026 ballot that would completely eliminate property taxes. He frames this as a fundamental issue of freedom and a key incentive for people and businesses to relocate to Florida.
“You have to just keep writing a check to the government just for the privilege of using your own property,” DeSantis argued. “That’s an anomaly. That’s not the way good tax policy should be.” This move is the latest in DeSantis’s strategy to position Florida as a low-tax, pro-business sanctuary for those disillusioned with the economic policies of Democrat-led states. The ongoing migration to Florida, which has already seen property values surge, suggests his message is resonating.
