What changed
2026-09-23 13:12 UTC → 2026-10-14 20:54 UTC ·
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Florida homestead tax amendment Amendment 3 faces voter, voter and fiscal hurdles
In September 2026, political and financial support for Amendment 3 grew as the November election approached. Florida Realtors committed $10 million to the ‘Yes On 3’ political committee to advocate for the measure, stating the initiative is intended to provide “greater stability for owners and tenants.” The Republican Party of Florida officially endorsed the amendment for As the November 3 3, 2026, general election ballot. Despite this political backing, recent polling suggests the amendment faces an uphill battle approaches, Florida’s Amendment 3 continues to meet face significant hurdles in reaching the 60% voter approval threshold required for passage. A St. Pete Polls survey found 45% While recent polling by McLaughlin & Associates for the Associated Industries of Florida shows support rising to 53% among likely voters, 30% opposition, the measure remains below the necessary supermajority. Support for the amendment shows notable demographic divides: approval is high among Republicans (68%) and 25% undecided. Opposition has older voters, but significantly lower among Democrats (32%) and voters under 30 (36%). Fiscal concerns have intensified from groups such as local officials warn of the impact on municipal budgets. In Lee County, commissioners project property tax revenue losses of approximately $126 million in the first year and over $240 million in the second. Commissioner Kevin Ruane warned that these losses could necessitate widespread cuts to public safety, transportation, libraries, and EMS, as well as potential job losses. These local warnings echo broader concerns from the Florida Sheriffs Association and the Florida Professional Firefighters. These critics argue that Firefighters regarding the estimated $12 billion in total revenue cuts once the measure is fully phased in could jeopardize public safety funding and create financial instability for smaller municipalities. While critics warn of impacts on infrastructure and a potential shift in the tax burden toward renters and businesses, Governor Ron DeSantis has expressed support, suggesting local governments possess sufficient budgetary flexibility to manage in. If passed, the changes. The amendment seeks to would increase the homestead exemption for non-school taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, with annual inflation adjustments beginning starting in 2029. It also proposes reducing the annual assessment increase cap for non-homestead properties from 10% to 5%.