CON: Income Tax Would Destroy Florida's Economic Advantage

As a small business owner who moved here from New York, I strongly oppose any state income tax. This would be economic suicide for Florida.

1. Competitive Advantage Lost No income tax is THE reason businesses and retirees choose Florida. We compete with Texas, Tennessee, and Nevada for residents and jobs. An income tax eliminates our primary selling point.

2. Mass Exodus Risk Wealthy retirees contribute billions to our economy. They'll simply move to other no-tax states. We'd lose their spending, property taxes, and charitable giving - far exceeding any income tax revenue.

3. Better Alternatives Exist - Legalize and tax marijuana (est. $1.5B annually) - Close corporate tax loopholes ($2B annually) - Implement luxury taxes on yachts, private jets - Expand gambling beyond tribal casinos - Better utilize existing lottery funds for education

4. Government Waste Problem Florida doesn't have a revenue problem; it has a spending priorities problem. We spend billions on corporate subsidies while claiming no money for schools. Fix the waste first.

5. The California Warning California has the highest income tax and still struggles with education funding. High earners are fleeing to states like... Florida. Don't repeat their mistake.

6. Constitutional Protection Floridians wisely added constitutional protection against income tax. Respect the will of the people.

Improve efficiency and find creative revenue sources, but don't kill the golden goose.