Florida Governor Ron DeSantis quipped on Wednesday that the potential victory of Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani in New York City could trigger a significant migration to the Sunshine State, further fueling its booming real estate market.
Speaking at a bill-signing ceremony for public beach legislation, DeSantis suggested that if Mamdani, who advocates for left-wing policies such as city-run grocery stores and a $30 minimum wage, were to win, it would lead to an exodus from the Big Apple.
“If this socialist mayor candidate wins – you’re gonna see real estate value skyrocket even more in Palm Beach, because people are gonna get out of that city,” DeSantis stated. He added, “As bad as DeBlasio was, this guy is like going to be way, way, worse.”
READ: Gov. DeSantis Signs Legislation Delivering Relief And Oversight To Florida Condo Owners
DeSantis’s comments come as former Democratic New York Governor Andrew Cuomo conceded the Democratic primary to Mamdani on Tuesday night.
Florida has already experienced a substantial increase in property values, with a 191.9% rise in the decade ending July 2022, according to Quantum Realty Advisors. The state has also seen a notable influx of residents from traditionally “blue” states like California and New York.
The governor’s remarks also touched upon his ongoing efforts to address property taxes in Florida.
In March, DeSantis proposed a reduction in property taxes and aims to place a constitutional amendment to eliminate them entirely on the November 2026 ballot. He argued that while sales tax relief might disproportionately benefit Canadian tourists, his push for property tax reform is rooted in a fundamental philosophical objection.
“You have to just keep writing a check to the government just for the privilege of using your own property,” DeSantis said, calling it “an anomaly” and not “good tax policy.”
READ: Gov. DeSantis: Florida Drivers Have Right To Hit Protesters If Threatened
DeSantis also criticized Mamdani’s stance on law enforcement, stating, “He doesn’t think that you should have law enforcement in dangerous parts of the city, that you should send in social workers. See how that works out for you. It ain’t going to work out well.”
Throughout his tenure, Governor DeSantis has championed and signed a series of conservative-backed laws, including a six-week abortion restriction in April 2023, following the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade.
He gained national prominence in 2022 through various “culture war” battles and a decisive 17% victory over Democratic challenger Charlie Crist in the gubernatorial election.
DeSantis has also been involved in a high-profile dispute with Disney, stemming from his signing of parental rights legislation in March 2022 and subsequent approval of legislation that ended Disney’s control over the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which led to a lawsuit against the governor in April 2023.
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