Fishback Announces $50,000 "Mamdani Tax" on Out-of-State Home Buyers

In an appearance on the PBD Podcast with Patrick Bet-David, James Fishback announced a bold new housing policy: a $50,000 tax on out-of-state residents purchasing property in Florida. Fishback dubbed it the "Mamdani Tax" after New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, whose progressive housing policies Fishback credits with inspiring his own affordability agenda. "New Yorkers are fleeing Mamdani's policies and driving up prices for Florida families," Fishback told Bet-David. "If they want to escape to our state, they can pay a $50,000 entry fee." The proposal targets the wave of migration from high-tax states like New York, California, and New Jersey that has contributed to Florida's housing affordability crisis. Under the plan: • Out-of-state buyers would pay a $50,000 tax at closing • Revenue would fund down payment assistance for native Floridians • First-time Florida-born homebuyers would receive priority in the program • The tax would not apply to Florida residents or those who have lived in-state for 5+ years "Florida families are being outbid by people fleeing failed policies in other states," Fishback explained. "They made their bed up north. They shouldn't come here and make ours unaffordable." The announcement drew immediate attention, with Bet-David calling it "one of the most creative housing proposals I've heard." Critics argue the tax may face legal challenges under the Privileges and Immunities Clause of the Constitution, which prohibits states from discriminating against citizens of other states. Fishback dismissed the concerns: "We'll let the courts figure it out. My job is to fight for Florida families." Watch the full interview on the PBD Podcast.