New reports indicate that Florida has absorbed nearly $12 billion in tariff costs stemming from President Donald Trump’s tariffs. The cost of the federal government’s trade policies has enraged Florida residents, who blamed Trump and Governor Ron DeSantis for the increased cost of living in the Sunshine State.
As reported by the Central Florida Times, Trade Partnership Worldwide estimates that Trump’s tariffs have cost Florida nearly $12 billion since 2025. As per the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, each Florida household has reportedly spent $1,279, with food and beverage costs being among those that have most affected local consumers.
These reports have also revealed that the main reason for the increased costs extends beyond finished consumer goods, as raw materials account for 45% of the costs, contributing to inflation for Floridians.
Floridians Are Not Happy With Tariffs
On Reddit’s r/Florida, residents were angry to discover that their families were footing the bill for Trump’s tariffs, and many criticized the Republican president. Someone wrote: “Reverse Robin Hood: consumers pay the added costs of the tariffs, and wealthy corporations will get the tariff refunds.”
Another person complained: “Trump tariffs should be called what they really are: a tax on consumers. When the courts inevitably rule these tariffs illegal, the administration will have to refund the money to companies. Very few consumers will see any refund. Costco, Walmart, BJs and others are claiming they will ‘lower prices’ to return the money. Sure they will.”
One local also highlighted that other areas, such as tourism, were affecting the Sunshine State: “Don’t forget the loss in tourism revenue from Trump making enemies all around the world.”
The numbers deeply angered and worried residents. As one of them put it: “Florida will be virtually unlivable for 90% of people if the property tax amendment passes,” citing Ron DeSantis’ plans, which sparked criticism in the state earlier this year.
Overall, the comments show just how dire the situation feels for some Floridians, with several arguing that they don’t even have the money to escape the state’s rising cost of living. “I don’t know how that’s going to happen when we don’t have the money to leave the state,” one person wrote. “Let’s face it, most of us don’t have the resources to move away.” Another summed up the frustration much more bleakly: “Guess we’ll just die, then.”
