3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Nov 6
Summary
About 62% of Florida voters backed Amendment 3, a constitutional change that expands the homestead exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 starting in 2027.
The exemption is set to rise again to $250,000 in 2028, while new residents must live in Florida for five years before qualifying for the larger tax break.
Ron DeSantis, who campaigned for the measure as homeowner relief, said he will call a special legislative session before leaving office to work out implementation details.
Mayors, city managers, and police and fire chiefs had warned the amendment could drain billions from local governments and force cuts to services, setting up the next political fight over how Florida absorbs the revenue loss.
The vote also opens a broader tax debate: Gov.-elect Byron Donalds has said he wants to eliminate homestead property taxes in Florida entirely.
Could Florida's historic property tax exemption secretly shift a crushing financial burden onto the state's renters and small businesses?
Will the promise of saving thousands on property taxes ultimately backfire by degrading the very communities homeowners live in?
Amendment 3 Passes: How Florida’s Sweeping Property Tax Reform Will Reshape Homeownership, Local Budgets, and Public Safety
Overview
Florida's Amendment 3, approved by 62% of voters, dramatically expands the homestead property tax exemption and lowers assessment caps, delivering significant tax savings to existing homeowners and making homeownership more affordable for thousands of families. However, this relief comes at a steep cost: local governments face nearly $12 billion in annual revenue losses by 2031, forcing them to raise taxes on businesses and renters, cut essential services like public safety and libraries, and increase hidden fees. The five-year waiting period for new residents creates legal risks and migration barriers, while the amendment accelerates political momentum toward eliminating property taxes entirely, raising concerns about local financial stability and disaster preparedness.