Florida's Property Tax Amendment Is on the November Ballot — Here's What Homeowners Need to Know
Florida voters will decide this November on one of the most significant property tax changes the state has seen in decades. Whether you've been following this closely or just heard about it for the first time, here's a clear, straightforward breakdown of what's on the table.
What Is This Amendment?
The Florida Legislature recently passed a constitutional amendment called "Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes" (officially HJR 1F) and placed it on the November 3, 2026 ballot. Because it's a change to the state constitution, it needs at least 60% voter approval to pass — a higher bar than a typical ballot measure.
A Quick Primer: What Is the Homestead Exemption?
If your home is your primary residence in Florida, you already benefit from something called the homestead exemption — a portion of your home's assessed value that is excluded from taxation. Currently, that exemption is $50,000.
For example, if your home is assessed at $300,000 and you have a homestead exemption, you're only taxed on $250,000 of that value.
What Would Change?
This amendment would raise that exemption significantly — in two stages:
Year New Homestead Exemption 2027 $150,000 2028 $250,000 (then adjusted for inflation)
For homeowners with an assessed value at or below $250,000, this could effectively eliminate your non-school property tax bill entirely by 2028. For those with higher assessed values, the savings are still meaningful — estimates from county property appraisers put the average annual savings at around $1,500–$1,800, though your exact number depends on your home's assessed value and your county's millage rate.
Important: School Taxes Are Not Included
This is one of the most important details to understand. The expanded exemption does not apply to school district taxes. You would still pay the school board portion of your property tax bill, calculated on your home's full assessed value, exactly as you do today. Lawmakers specifically carved school levies out of the amendment.
What About People Who Move to Florida Later?
The amendment draws a line based on when you established your Florida homestead:
If you have a Florida homestead by December 31, 2026: You receive the full benefit when it takes effect.
If you move to Florida and establish a new homestead on or after January 1, 2027: You remain at the current $50,000 exemption for your first five years of Florida residency, then step up to the higher amount.
What Are the Trade-offs?
No tax cut of this size comes without consequences, and it's worth understanding both sides.
For homeowners, the benefit is straightforward: lower annual property tax bills, with the biggest impact for those in the moderate value range.
For local governments — cities, counties, fire districts, libraries, and other non-school taxing authorities — this represents a significant revenue reduction. Legislative analysts estimate the change would cut local government funding by approximately $4.6 billion per year initially, growing to around $8.4 billion annually once fully phased in. How local governments respond is an open question: some may reduce services, others may adjust millage rates within their authority, and outcomes will likely vary by county.
When Do You Vote?
The vote is November 3, 2026. Remember: it requires 60% approval to pass, not a simple majority.
Bottom Line
This is a proposal worth understanding before you vote. If it passes, many Florida homeowners could see meaningful savings on their annual property tax bills. The trade-off is a significant reduction in local government revenue, the effects of which will play out differently across the state.
If you have questions about how this might affect your home's value, your carrying costs, or the real estate market in general, feel free to reach out — I'm always happy to talk through the numbers.