New Hampshire does not have an income tax (at least not on W2 earnings) either, nor does it have a sales tax.

I own three properties in NH and the property taxes are actually lower then my VA home and Fl homes value for value. So IMHO they do not have the highest property tax. And even if they did, property type is a choice, income and sales is not so much a choice. And just where does that "highest property tax in the nation" come from? I have never even had that suggested before.

I thought that a "Trust" didn't have to go through probate. Have to check it out!

tourism, and retirees

You are correct.
A Google search will confirm.

We have a governor who stole enough from Medicare to float the state for a very long time!

Correct, a Florida Trust does not have to go through Probate. That's why everyone needs to check with an estate lawyer to make sure their wills, etc. are probate-proof.

Was recently told by my lawyer that probate is 5% - 6% of the value of the assets and can take from 9 months to over a year to go through probate. And yes, no probate for a Trust.

If you want to see what happens when the "give everyone with a sad story a free lunch" bunch is in charge, come an live in Hawaii. Highest taxed state in the US. Worst place to have a business. Everyone gets a hand out except the people working for a living who pay for all that Aloha. And that is on top of all the tax money received from the large tourism industry and the Federal government who spends billions in the state every year on the large military presence.

Just kick them to the curb, right?

Could be. With the exception of one year, I've lived in Crook (also known as Cook) County, Illinois since 1979. The parade of Chicago area politicians on trial or in prison never seems to end...

You have a way of putting words in peoples mouthes. That is not what I said or intended to say. I was implying that when generous free benefits are offered, some people will take advantage at the cost to taxpayers.

Here is the Dept of Revenue report on sources of tax income. It does not include property taxes.

Toursim is substantial, but not the largest. Substantial amounts come from fuel and communications (just look at your cell phone bill)

Red State
 

This thread is getting political so I guess I can say it, the simple answer is it's a Red State. It works well if you can afford it. But it's no place to be if you suddenly fall ill, lose a job or income, or need any basic support. It's great while you're on your feet, but have a back-up plan. It's the pull-up-the-ladder approach from voter purge to opt-out of Obamacare. Personally I think the attitude is self-centered and simply cruel, but I love it here.

We've lived in Florida since 1983 through Democratic and Republican governers and have never had a state income tax. The funding is done through our tourists. At one time there was a public service announcement suggesting all Florida residents are friendly to visitors as they pay our taxes.