Miami mayoral candidate Emilio Gonzalez plans to eliminate Florida's so-called “real estate death tax" as part of his tax reform agenda if elected mayor in November. Gonzalez's announcement, which he lists as a top priority, follows a series of plans laid out in previous months to replace current Mayor Francis Suarez.
“For too many families in Miami and across Florida, the home is their greatest source of wealth and financial security,” Gonzalez said in a statement. “Parents shouldn’t have to worry that when they’re gone, their children will be taxed out of their family home. Eliminating this hidden death tax will preserve the American Dream of homeownership and protect generational wealth for working families.”
Along with his latest proposal, Gonzalez has proposed eliminating property taxes for homesteaded residences, a move in line with Gov. Ron DeSantis. As part of that plan, Gonzalez specified children of inherited homestead homes would retain the same tax rate as their parents, provided that the child keeps the property as their primary residence.
Gonzalez issued his plan to eliminate property taxes in August. Last week, Gov. Ron DeSantis endorsed Gonzalez for mayor in arguably the biggest move in the race to date.
As it stands, Gonzalez is one of 12 candidates seeking to replace Suarez, who's been Miami's mayor since 2017. Other contenders in the field include Joe Carollo, a well-known and often combative Miami City Commissioner, and Xavier Suarez, who also served as Miami's mayor from 1985 to 1993 and again from 1997 to 1998.
Xavier Saurez is also the father of the current mayor.
Regardless of the family lineage, Gonzalez is still one of the top contenders in the field. Along with his series of proposals, the mayoral hopeful holds a significant financial advantage over his competition in the race.
"The legislative process provides us with an opportunity not just to reform property taxes, but to collaborate and expand policies that truly benefit Florida families — particularly our community back in Miami,” González added.
