Jewett pledges to cut Florida home taxes

Florida homeowners who own their primary residence could stop paying property taxes under a plan proposed by Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Scott Jewett. The businessman and first-time candidate outlined his budget strategy in an interview with WMNF on November 2, 2026. He stated that removing this tax burden would make living in the state more affordable. Jewett argued that commercial properties, second homes, and rental units should continue paying property taxes to fund local services.

Jewett cited his own experience as a reason for the change. He said his homeowners insurance bill has tripled since he purchased his house seven years ago. He described the current cost of living as a disaster. His team is working with an insurance adviser to draft changes to state insurance regulations and legislation. He said his team is preparing these changes in advance rather than relying on study commissions after taking office.

The candidate also proposed using small modular nuclear reactors with thorium fuel to lower energy costs in Florida. Jewett is currently speaking with manufacturers, suppliers, and regulatory agencies about the technology. He believes that cheaper and safer energy will reduce costs across the entire economy. Businesses use energy to process materials, make products, and transport goods, he noted. He said that if energy becomes inexpensive, everything else becomes less expensive.

Jewett plans to launch an initiative called the Florida Innovation Project, or FLIP. The program would invite residents to suggest solutions to state government problems. He described this as an application of open innovation, a process that seeks ideas from people outside an organization. He said someone with nuclear industry experience contacted him after a presentation on thorium energy to offer input. Jewett said this exchange showed how government could benefit from resident knowledge.

Jewett has spent about 30 years in the franchising industry. He said he helped bring four companies to billion-dollar status. He holds 17 patents in energy, medicine, home improvement, and tools. He cited his engineering work as an example of his problem-solving approach. His design won a BP challenge for solutions to the Gulf oil spill, and he later licensed the patent to the company. Jewett said he wants to apply a similar business mindset to government spending.

He uses the term OPM, or other people's money, to describe government budgets. He said it is easy to spend money that does not belong to you. He argued that state government should operate more like a business with strict budgets and efficient expenses. Jewett said he testified before Florida lawmakers in support of eliminating homestead property taxes. He claimed local governments could preserve essential services while cutting waste.

Jewett said his running mate, Nicole Skelly, would help carry out their agenda as lieutenant governor. He described their partnership as a working relationship rather than a ceremonial one. He asked voters to look beyond party labels and focus on their own priorities. Jewett told WMNF that he would answer only to the people of Florida. His goal is to find cost-effective and simple solutions that change the direction of the state.