Florida Amendment 3 Would Increase Homestead Tax Exemption

Florida voters will decide Tuesday on a property tax change that alters how much of a home's value is exempt from local non-school taxes.

If the measure passes, the homestead exemption for non-school taxes will jump from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027. The exemption will rise again to $250,000 in 2028. Proponents say this structure could return up to $200,000 in tax relief to homeowners over time. Gov. Ron DeSantis has called the policy a key goal for his final year in office. "Most people are going to end up seeing 2/3 of their property tax bill back in their pocket once this is fully implemented," DeSantis said. He added that residents would receive substantial relief immediately.

Local officials express concern that the revenue loss will strain county budgets. They argue the state's previous audits, which suggested counties could absorb the loss by cutting inefficient spending, do not reflect current realities. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd warned that law enforcement would feel the impact directly. "If Florida's Amendment 3 passes, local law enforcement will be negatively impacted," Judd said. Other leaders noted that emergency medical services might also face funding gaps.

Many local governments have drafted two separate budgets for 2027. They intend to finalize one based on the election result. The state has not yet released new data to address local leaders' objections to the initial budget assessments.