Casey Chlebek: Florida Shows Illinois the Way Forward on Property Tax Abolition

As DeSantis Pushes 2026 Ballot Initiative, Illinois Senate Candidate Says 'If Florida Can Do It, So Can We'

PARK RIDGE, ILL – December 11, 2025 – As Florida Governor Ron DeSantis advances his proposal to eliminate property taxes on primary residences through a 2026 ballot initiative, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Casey Chlebek says Illinois leaders have run out of excuses for inaction and calls for Governor Pritzker to act to address the state’s exploitative property tax laws and unconstitutional home equity theft.

"Governor DeSantis just proved this isn't a pipe dream—it's a serious reform movement with real momentum," Chlebek said. "Florida is putting this question directly to voters in 2026. Illinois should do the same. If Florida can give its citizens a voice on property tax freedom, why won't Springfield?"

In September, Chlebek called on the Illinois General Assembly and Governor Pritzker to place a statewide advisory referendum on the 2026 ballot, asking voters whether the state should pursue abolishing property taxes on primary residences. Now, with Florida's Republican governor and legislature moving forward with a constitutional amendment for the same election cycle, Chlebek says the comparison makes Illinois's inaction even more indefensible.

Florida's Bold Move—Illinois's Glaring Absence

Governor DeSantis announced last week that Florida will ask voters in November 2026 to approve a constitutional amendment eliminating property taxes on homesteaded properties. The proposal requires 60% voter approval and includes protections for school funding and law enforcement.

DeSantis has been barnstorming the state since March, arguing that "property taxes effectively require homeowners to pay rent to the government" and that Florida families deserve relief from escalating bills driven by bloated local government budgets.

His plan includes:

•       Complete elimination of non-school property taxes on primary residences

•       Interim relief through $1,000 rebate checks for homeowners in December 2025

•       Revenue replacement through spending reforms and alternative funding sources

•       A phased implementation to ensure fiscal stability

Sound familiar? It should. Chlebek has been making the identical case in Illinois—a state with far worse property tax problems than Florida.

The Numbers Tell the Story

Illinois has the highest effective property tax rate in the nation. Florida doesn't even crack the top 20. Yet Florida's governor is leading the charge for abolition while Illinois politicians claim it's "too complicated" or "impossible."

"We have the worst property tax crisis in America, and our leaders are doing nothing," Chlebek said. "Florida's taxes are lower than ours, and they're still saying enough is enough. Meanwhile, Illinois families are losing their homes to tax foreclosure, seniors are being robbed of their equity, and Springfield just shrugs."

Since 2019, more than 1,000 Cook County residents—including 125 seniors—have lost homes worth $108 million for just $2.3 million in tax debts. The government and private investors kept the difference. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled this practice unconstitutional in 2023, yet Illinois has failed to reform its laws.

"In Florida, they're fighting to eliminate property taxes for homeowners who can pay," Chlebek said. "In Illinois, we're seizing homes from seniors who fall $5,000 behind and keeping their $100,000 in equity. That's not tax collection—that's state-sanctioned theft."

A National Movement—With Illinois Sitting on the Sidelines

Florida is not alone. Republican leaders in Texas, Kansas, Montana, and Pennsylvania are all advancing property tax relief or elimination proposals. Several states have already reformed their laws to stop home equity theft after the Supreme Court's 2023 Tyler v. Hennepin County decision. Illinois has done neither.

"This is a national movement, and Illinois is being left behind," Chlebek said. "Governor Pritzker and the General Assembly need to wake up. If Florida—a state that already has no income tax—can ask voters about eliminating property taxes, surely Illinois can at least give voters a chance to weigh in."

Chlebek noted that DeSantis and the Florida legislature have been politically divided on many issues, yet both chambers and the governor's office are aligned on moving forward with property tax reform for the 2026 ballot.

"This isn't partisan. It's practical," Chlebek said. "Families across the political spectrum are drowning in property taxes. Florida Republicans and Democrats both know voters deserve a say. Why doesn't Illinois?"

Chlebek: It’s Time for Statewide Advisory Referendum to Abolish Property Taxes in Illinois

Chlebek's call is straightforward: Illinois should place a statewide advisory referendum on the November 2026 ballot with the following question:

"Shall the State of Illinois pursue the abolition of property taxes on primary residences and replace them with alternative funding for schools, police, fire, and local services?"

While not binding—because local governments control property taxes under the Illinois Constitution—an advisory referendum would send an unmistakable mandate to Springfield. If voters overwhelmingly support abolition, lawmakers would have the political cover to pursue constitutional reform and revenue replacement strategies.

"Florida is showing us the roadmap," Chlebek said. "Put it on the ballot. Let the people decide. If they say yes, Springfield has to act. If they say no, fine—but at least give them the choice. Right now, Illinois politicians are terrified to even ask the question."

Chlebek's Property Tax Freedom Plan—outlined as the first pillar of his MAGNA Agenda (Make America the Greatest Nation Again)—ensures essential services remain fully funded through federal tax reform and alternative revenue sources while eliminating the property tax burden on primary residences.

"You can pay off your mortgage and still lose your home if you fall behind on taxes," Chlebek said. "That's not ownership—that's bondage. Florida's governor gets it. Illinois voters get it. It's time Springfield gets it too."

Casey Chlebek, a business leader, public policy advocate, and proud Polish-American, has officially declared intention to be the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate in Illinois. With a vision to put power back into the hands of hardworking families, Chlebek is launching a sweeping reform domestic platform known as the MAGNA Agenda—Make America the Greatest Nation Again. The Property Tax Freedom Plan is the first of seven pillars in his MAGNA Agenda to reduce taxes, reward work, and restore opportunity.

For more on Casey Chlebek's campaign, visit www.CaseyForSenate.com.

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BACKGROUND: FLORIDA'S PROPERTY TAX PROPOSAL

Governor Ron DeSantis has been advocating for property tax elimination since March 2025. Key developments include:

•       March 2025: DeSantis proposes redirecting $5 billion in planned sales tax cuts to property tax relief instead, arguing tourists should subsidize Florida residents rather than getting tax breaks

•       August 2025: DeSantis announces concrete plans for a 2026 constitutional amendment, stating he's "crunching numbers" and working with legislators

•       October 2025: Florida House introduces seven different property tax reform proposals; DeSantis dismisses all but one as political gamesmanship, saying multiple ballot measures would confuse voters and kill reform

•       December 2025: DeSantis reaffirms commitment to a single, comprehensive ballot measure for November 2026 requiring 60% voter approval; interim $1,000 rebates proposed for December 2025

The proposal would make Florida the only state with neither income tax nor property tax on primary residences. Property taxes currently generate approximately $55 billion annually in Florida, with roughly 46% funding schools and the remainder funding county and municipal services.

DeSantis argues that property tax revenue has grown substantially since 2019, local government budgets have become bloated, and Florida's DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) audits will identify wasteful spending to help offset lost revenue. He has also suggested increased sales taxes on non-residents (tourists) as a replacement revenue source.