Florida Republican James Fishback proposed a 50% "sin tax" on OnlyFans creators, arguing the platform promotes "cultural degeneracy" and estimating the levy could raise about $200 million for education. He said some revenue would fund crisis pregnancy centers and a "mental health czar for men." Creators quoted by People and FOX 35 called the plan misguided and accused Fishback of imposing religious morality via taxation. The proposal has prompted debate about its practical, legal and social implications.
Florida GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Proposes 50% "Sin Tax" on OnlyFans Creators, Citing "Cultural Degeneracy"
Florida GOP candidate wants 50% 'sin tax' on OnlyFans creators to fight 'cultural degeneracy'
Republican gubernatorial hopeful James Fishback has proposed a controversial 50% "sin tax" on creators who sell explicit content on OnlyFans, saying the platform promotes what he calls "cultural degeneracy." Fishback told Fox News Digital and other outlets that the levy would discourage sex work on the platform and generate revenue for state programs.
Proposal Details
Fishback told FOX 35 and podcaster Joel Webbon that a 50% income tax on people selling sexual content via OnlyFans could raise roughly $200 million. He said those funds would be earmarked for public education, crisis pregnancy centers and a new state position he described as a "first-of-its-kind mental health czar for men," intended to address concerns he raised about masculinity and societal blame.
James Fishback said he would be open to a possible tax on OnlyFans customers as well.(Fox News)
"Young women once aspired to be devoted mothers, doctors, lawyers, and nurses," Fishback said. "Today, young women are told by an online platform called OnlyFans that it’s morally right to sell nude photos of themselves to strangers on the internet. I will not tolerate this cultural degeneracy as Florida’s next Republican Governor."
Fishback also said he would consider taxing OnlyFans customers in addition to creators and framed the choice bluntly: creators could either pay the state 50% or quit sex work and pursue other work he described as "morally rigorous."
Reactions From Creators And Observers
OnlyFans creators quoted in coverage strongly criticized the proposal. Sophie Rain told People magazine she considered the idea "the dumbest thing" she had heard and emphasized her decision to work on the platform was voluntary. "No one ever forced me to start an OnlyFans, it was MY decision," she said.
Sophie Rain, center, with content creators Aishah Sofey and Alina Rose.
Piper Fawn, another creator interviewed by FOX 35, said Fishback appeared to be advancing religious beliefs via public policy. "Sin is a biblical term, it’s not a legal term," she said, adding that the state could focus on other policy priorities rather than taxing creators.
Fox News Digital reported it reached out to OnlyFans for comment. Legal scholars and policy analysts were not quoted in the original reports, but observers note that such a targeted tax could raise constitutional and enforcement questions if pursued.
Potential Implications
Fishback framed the tax as a way to both deter content he deems harmful and raise revenue for education and social programs. Critics argue the plan would stigmatize voluntary adult work, risk pushing creators into unregulated spaces, and could face legal challenges. Supporters of stricter regulation of adult content might welcome the debate the proposal generates.
What Happens Next
The proposal is part of Fishback’s broader campaign messaging. If the plan gains traction, it would likely be debated in the campaign and examined by legal experts. For now, the proposal has drawn media attention and sharp pushback from creators and advocates for sex worker rights.
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