What Is on the Ballot?
The official ballot title is "Increased Homestead Exemption; Lower Cap on Increases in Non-Homestead Property Assessments." According to the ballot summary published by the Florida Division of Elections, the amendment would:
- Increase the homestead exemption, for all non-school taxes, to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, then adjust it for inflation.
- Require the Legislature to set a uniform procedure for counties and cities to increase the homestead exemption for their own levies up to full assessed value, and allow special districts to do the same if approved by referendum.
- Give people who are not Florida residents on December 31, 2026 the existing homestead exemption when they qualify, with the increased exemption beginning with the fifth year of exemption, "to the extent permitted by the U.S. Constitution."
- Lower the annual cap on assessment increases for non-homestead properties from 10% to 5%.
- Require counties and cities to use property taxes only for listed purposes, such as public safety, schools, and infrastructure.
- Take effect January 1, 2027.
The Department of State lists it as ballot number 3 on its constitutional initiatives page.
How Does the Homestead Exemption Work Today?
Today, a Florida homestead exemption can reduce a home's assessed value by up to about $50,000. The first $25,000 applies to all property taxes. The second $25,000 applies to assessed value over $50,000 and only to non-school taxes (Sumter County Property Appraiser). That second amount is now indexed for inflation, which is why the Lake County Property Appraiser says the exemption can reduce assessed value "by up to $51,411."
To qualify, you must own the home and live in it as your permanent residence on January 1, and file with the county property appraiser by March 1 of the year you want the exemption to start (Sumter PA important dates).
What Could It Mean If You're Moving to Florida?
Timing matters. Under the ballot summary, someone who is not a Florida resident on December 31, 2026 would receive the existing exemption first. The larger exemption would begin with their fifth year of exemption.
A few points to keep in mind:
- Residency and homestead are not the same thing. You still need to own the home, make it your permanent residence by January 1, and file on time.
- The ballot summary does not explain every detail, such as how residency on December 31, 2026 would be documented. If the amendment passes, the Legislature and county property appraisers would put it into practice.
- The exemption changes apply to non-school taxes only. School taxes would still use the existing rules.
If you're weighing the timing of a move, ask your county property appraiser how the rules would apply to you, and talk with a tax professional about your own situation.
What Does It Take to Pass?
Amendment 3 needs approval from at least 60 percent of voters on the measure. Florida's Constitution says a proposed amendment takes effect only "if the proposed amendment or revision is approved by vote of at least sixty percent of the electors voting on the measure" (Florida Constitution, Article XI, Section 5). Results will be known after the November 3, 2026 election. Until then, the current homestead rules apply.