As the 2026 Florida state legislative session gets underway, the elimination of property taxes for at least some state residents continues to grab headlines. The potential seismic shift in funding for local governments has left many local leaders – and residents – wondering how they’ll continue to function on shoestring budgets. No worries – we’ve got this. The always helpful Keys Weekly Newspapers presents our…
TOP 10 NEW REVENUE SOURCES FOR KEYS GOVERNMENTS (if property taxes go away)
10. Cash bar in the lobby of city commission/council meetings, with a “blame the city” collection jar inside.
9. Hurricane Naming Rights Auction, sponsored by NWS Key West.
8. $20 fee for any of the following phrases used in government proceedings: “Just to play devil’s advocate,” “move to postpone” (after more than an hour of debate), references to Gators or Seminoles, “I’ve been here since (insert year).”
7. Tourist Selfie Permit Program: All sunset or Southernmost Point photos require a license. Double fees for blocking traffic on U.S. 1, a visible dolphin, or using your rented Mustang as a prop.
6. Sell building permits and variances. Rates assessed based on applicant’s last name and length of residency.
5. $10 fee for each public comment at government meetings. Increases to $15 if you comment at every single meeting.
4. Lemonade stands and bake sales. (Certain brownies will cost more.)
3. City and county leaders will each start Polymarket accounts and bet on the outcomes of their own upcoming actions using taxpayer dollars.
2. Mile Marker Confusion Tax: All visitors who ask “how long until we reach the Keys?” before making it to Marathon must pay $25.
- GoFundMe.
