# Florida constitutional tax amendments

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/florida-constitutional-tax-amendments
> Updated: 2026-10-04T11:05:29.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 5.

Florida is preparing for the November 2026 general election, where voters will consider several constitutional amendments regarding fiscal policy and taxation.

Governor Ron DeSantis has voiced opposition to Amendment 1, a Republican-backed proposal to increase the Budget Stabilization Fund cap from 10% to 25% of net general revenue. DeSantis has described the measure as a “solution in search of a problem” and “foolish,” arguing that the state already maintains a maximum rainy day fund and large surpluses.

Amendment 3 focuses on property tax reform by proposing an expansion of the homestead exemption. The measure would increase the exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, while also lowering the assessment increase cap for non-homesteaded properties from 10% to 5%. While proponents argue these changes are necessary to address rising property values, critics and economists warn of significant fiscal impacts. The Florida Policy Institute estimated that Amendment 3 could cost local governments approximately $13.7 billion in the first two years.

As the election approaches, law enforcement officials have joined the opposition. Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods described the potential revenue loss from the amendment as a “hidden way of defunding the police.” In Sarasota County, officials project a loss of $134 million in property tax revenue over the first two years if the measure passes. These concerns mirror earlier fiscal adjustments made by local governments in Osceola County to manage potential revenue shifts.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-04: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis makes appointments and faces tax amendment scrutiny

Governor Ron DeSantis appointed two new members to Florida's Faith-Based Advisory Council amid concerns that Amendment 3 could reduce local law enforcement funding through property tax changes.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/florida-governor-ron-desantis-makes-appointments-and-faces-tax-amendment-scrutiny

### 2026-09-29: Florida Amendment 3 impacts local government budget planning

Florida local governments are adjusting budgets in anticipation of Amendment 3, a ballot measure that would increase homestead exemptions and reduce local property tax revenues.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/florida-amendment-3-impacts-local-government-budget-planning

### 2026-09-29: Florida Governor DeSantis opposes GOP reserve fund amendment

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis opposes a GOP-backed reserve fund increase, while voters weigh Amendment 3, a property tax cut measure that could cost local governments $13.7 billion.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/florida-governor-desantis-opposes-gop-reserve-fund-amendment

### 2026-09-25: Florida Amendment 3 proposes major property tax exemption changes

Florida's Amendment 3, up for a 60% vote in November 2026, proposes expanding homestead tax exemptions but faces debate over its $12 billion impact on local government revenue and rental costs.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/florida-amendment-3-proposal-targets-homestead-tax-exemptions

### 2026-09-17: Florida Governor DeSantis opposes Amendment 1 budget reserve increase

Governor Ron DeSantis is opposing Florida's Amendment 1, arguing against increasing budget reserves to 25% of revenue, while other ballot measures target property tax and homestead exemptions.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/florida-governor-desantis-opposes-amendment-1-budget-reserve-increase

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Cite as: Florida constitutional tax amendments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/florida-constitutional-tax-amendments