Term-limited in 2026, Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis is aiming to leave his mark in Florida politics lore.
DeSantis is seeking bipartisan support to eliminate property taxes during the upcoming Florida Legislative Session and has another proposal to help Florida save money.
During a press conference in Tallahassee, DeSantis announced he wants to eliminate tolls for Florida residents and let visitors bear the costs.
If such legislation passes, it would be a big savings for Key Biscayne residents who use the Rickenbacker Causeway to reach the mainland.
DeSantis said his eliminating tolls for Florida residents reduces the financial hardship they face daily.
“I’d love to be able to knock out, you know, the tolls and stuff that people are paying,” he said.
For the Rickenbacker Causeway, which connects Miami to the barrier island of Virginia Key and Key Biscayne, the toll amount is $3.25 per trip but Miami-Dade County offers an annual resident plan of $72 per vehicle for two-axle noncommercial vehicles.
The annual commuter plan is $120 per vehicle, available for two-axle non-commercial vehicles.
DeSantis’ proposal to eliminate tolls might not get support from Miami-Dade County.
In her budget for fiscal year 2025-26, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava increased the annual rate from $24 to $72, which triples the cost for Key Biscayne residents.
The regular two-axle toll for visitors would rise $1.00 to $3.25.
Cava raised the tolls to help offset a $400 million budget shortfall.
Carlos Suarez, the communications director for the office of Levine Cava, told Islander News the mayor is not in a position to comment as DeSantis’ proposal is vague.
“There isn’t a defined proposal that explains how this would work, where it would apply, or what the real impacts would be,” Suarez said. “Without those details, the mayor is not in a position to comment.”