Florida property‑tax amendment faces lawsuit over ballot language and expert criticism

A nonprofit group has filed a lawsuit seeking a court order to rewrite the ballot summary for Florida’s proposed constitutional amendment that would raise the homestead exemption for non‑school ad valorem taxes from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and to $250,000 in 2028. The suit alleges the language “SAVE OUR HOMES FROM EXCESSIVE PROPERTY TAXES” is a campaign statement that misleads voters by claiming an immediate $250,000 exemption, which the bill does not provide until 2028.

Policy analysts argue the amendment could represent the largest tax shift in the state’s history. Reducing local property‑tax revenue may force counties and municipalities to rely on state aid, impose new fees, or risk bankruptcies. Critics warn that hospitals, emergency services, schools and public‑health programs could suffer, renters may face higher rents and additional taxes, and disaster‑response capacity could be weakened. The measure also raises concerns about diminished home‑rule autonomy for local governments.