Florida property tax amendment language to be rewritten following judge's ruling

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the state will not appeal a court ruling requiring the rewrite of the ballot language for Amendment 3, a proposed property tax relief measure. Leon Circuit Court Judge David Frank previously ordered the redrafting, stating the original title and summary contained political rhetoric and were "misleading," which could deprive voters of a "meaningful decision."

Attorney General James Uthmeier is currently overseeing the revision process. While DeSantis noted that he and Uthmeier did not "necessarily agree" with the judge's ruling, he stated the new draft will be clear and straightforward for voters.

Amendment 3 aims to increase the non-school homestead tax exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, while also reducing the annual assessment increase cap for non-homestead properties from 10 percent to 5 percent. The measure requires 60% voter approval to pass.

Opponents, including various law enforcement and fire associations, warn that the amendment could reduce local government revenue by an estimated $12 billion annually. Critics argue the tax burden could shift toward renters and businesses, a consequence they claim is not adequately reflected in the current ballot language.