James Fishback
👤 SpeakerAppearances Over Time
Podcast Appearances
What's the point if we can't support them when they need our support?
And so what the Mamdani tax of $50,000 does is it says there's a property transaction fee of $50,000 if you're an out-of-stater buying property here in Florida.
And what you do is you actually recalibrate the market to allow Florida families to have a fighting chance to buy homes and to exist in our state.
Of course.
So I think it's a great point, Tom.
And look, I would not have supported this 10, 15 years ago.
I would not have supported this even...
Seven years ago, the truth is that we had 800,000 people move here over the last five years because we had so much success and we attracted people here.
I think at some point, though, it makes sense to say enough is enough.
We are full.
We don't have the infrastructure, too much congestion, too much traffic.
Home prices in Broward County alone are up 72%.
in the last five years.
So what made good sense, and I'm glad you're here, Tom, I'm glad you're here, Patrick, but what made good sense 5, 10, 15 years ago needn't make good sense now.
Look, I think we were right to welcome immigrants here on Ellis Island, but guess what?
They didn't get food stamps and an Obama phone.
They didn't get $7,000 a month in Chicago or $500 a night hotel rooms in New York City.
Different issue, and you're right about that.
Yes, absolutely.
And so I think the bigger thing is what might have made good sense, and it did make good sense to invite folks down here to open up businesses and industry.