From elimination to significant reductions, residents need relief now.

Our Story

One Cape Coral family's call for an overhaul on property taxes

March 31 marked a difficult day for our family of six—not because of a sudden emergency or a financial misstep, but because of one line item: our first, annual property tax bill. We owed $19,498.16 in property taxes to the City of Cape Coral.

We worked hard in 2021 to sell our home in Michigan and begin on what started as an affordable build for our larger family. Little did we know that the housing market and inflation were peaking around us—stepping into one of the most volatile Florida real estate markets in modern history. Delays from COVID and later Hurricane Ian pushed our build two years behind schedule and 30% over budget—moving five times during this period due to set-back after set-back. We considered just selling the build as-is, but didn’t have many alternatives—home prices were surging across the board.

Yet when the city assessed our property, it wasn’t based on what we actually spent to build it or the fair market value at the time we signed contracts 2+ years prior. Instead, the valuation was driven by inflated market pricing—and it came in at nearly double our expectations. We would understand if this was a result of city fees or construction missteps, but it’s not. It’s just taxes!

We reached out to the county appraiser and the tax collector for answers—but both confirmed: this is simply how the system works. Our timing was "unfortunate," and this year’s valuation sets our long-term tax baseline.

The result? We now pay more in annual property taxes than the combined total of our three adjacent canal-front neighbors. And according to the appraiser, their collective property values alone are valued higher than our total property with home. Yes, we built a slightly larger home to accommodate our four growing children—but that decision alone shouldn’t justify this kind of disparity.

This isn’t a luxury address in Naples. It’s Cape Coral. And while we love it here, we can’t justify handing over nearly $100,000 in property taxes over the next five years and will be forced to probably move if this doesn't change. With children ages 7, 10, 12, and 14, we’re thinking about cars, college, and financial security. Paying that much in property taxes is simply not a responsible or sustainable path forward.

We know we’re not alone. Many families across Florida are facing similar—or worse—circumstances. Our hearts go out to them. But this much financial pressure from property taxes is neither fair nor sustainable.

Why This Matters

We’re not asking for special treatment—just fairness. Right now, full-time residents who live, work, and contribute to their communities aren’t receiving the same level of consideration as investors. The current system makes it harder for families to truly thrive in this otherwise incredible state. Even the tax collector made a note about us looking more like New Jersey, and that's something we need to change!

We love this state, and we’re proud to raise our family here. But when property taxes begin to exceed a healthy monthly mortgage, it raises questions about affordability, fairness, and what kind of future we’re creating for Florida families.

We believe in Governor DeSantis’ call to eliminate or significantly reduce property taxes. We need bold leadership now to prevent families from being taxed out of their homes—not just by dollars, but by policies that fail to reflect today’s economic challenges.

Support Ron DeSantis' Property Tax Initiatives

From elimination to significant reductions, residents need relief now.

Our Story

One Cape Coral family's call for an overhaul on property taxes

Why This Matters

Sign the petition to support.

Do not feel obligated to donate to our free petition app.

Support Ron DeSantis' Property Tax Initiatives

From elimination to significant reductions, residents need relief now.

Our Story

One Cape Coral family's call for an overhaul on property taxes

Why This Matters

Sign the petition to support.

Do not feel obligated to donate to our free petition app.

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