Florida gubernatorial hopeful James Fishback faces eligibility questions over D.C. Homestead claim
Source: flvoicenews.com
By Frank Kopylov 2:51 p.m. ET | Updated Feb. 17, 2026
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Republican gubernatorial candidate James Fishback, who has raised significantly less than his rivals, is under renewed scrutiny after a new Washington, D.C., property tax bill dated Feb. 17, 2026, revealed he claimed a homestead deduction on a D.C. property, indicating it as his primary residence, despite his campaign’s insistence that he is a lifelong Floridian qualified to run for governor.
The bill obtained by Florida’s Voice, showing a homestead reduction of $781.58 on taxes due, has intensified accusations that Fishback may not meet Florida’s constitutional requirement of seven years’ residency in the state preceding the election. Florida law defines residency as domicile, meaning the place where an individual intends to make their permanent home, and claiming a homestead exemption elsewhere can undermine such claims.
Fishback, a 31-year-old hedge fund founder and vocal online provocateur, purchased a D.C. condo in 2021, claimed homestead deductions there through at least 2025, according to prior reports, and has faced questions about dual voter registrations and time spent outside Florida.
The latest tax bill adds fresh fuel to doubts about his eligibility, with some observers suggesting it could prompt formal challenges from rivals or the Florida Division of Elections.
Read more: https://flvoicenews.com/florida-gubernatorial-hopeful-james-fishback-faces-eligibility-questions-over-d-c-homestead-claim/
BREAKING: James "Tommy" Fishback (R-DC) does not live in Florida!
A tax bill from February 17, 2026 (TODAY!) shows that Fishback is CURRENTLY homesteaded in Washington, DC—despite pretending to be a Florida resident.
DC residents are not eligible to run for governor of Florida.
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AND THERE IS THIS:
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