Florida property tax amendment heads to November ballot amid fiscal scrutiny

Governor Ron DeSantis has signed Senate Bill 4‑F and House Bill 1329, tightening how local governments calculate property tax rates and requiring expanded financial disclosures. SB 4‑F, effective immediately, changes the approval thresholds for local tax increases and removes a per‑capita income adjustment, while HB 1329 mandates online posting of budgets, expenditures and staff compensation beginning in 2027.

A constitutional amendment that would raise the state homestead exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and to $250,000 in 2028 is slated for the November ballot and needs 60 % voter support. The amendment promises larger tax relief for homeowners but critics warn that reduced revenue could strain local services.

Separately, Fitch Ratings shifted the outlook for Escambia County School District’s bonds to negative, citing reserve declines tied to falling enrollment and the broader threat of revenue loss from the proposed tax amendment. A continued drop below the 5 % reserve floor could trigger higher borrowing costs for schools and other local entities, underscoring fiscal concerns surrounding the ballot measure.