Sources checked October 18, 2026
Florida voters will decide on Amendment 3 on November 3, 2026. The proposal would increase qualifying homestead exemptions for non-school property taxes and lower the annual assessment-increase limit for certain non-homestead properties. The current ballot title is “Increased Homestead Exemption; Lower Cap on Increases in Non-homestead Property Assessments.” Official ballot questions and election information
It remains a proposal. At least 60% of voters must approve it, and current property tax rules continue to apply unless it passes. The St. Johns County Property Appraiser explains that the amendment would not eliminate property taxes and that school taxes would still apply. Official Amendment 3 overview
For homeowners, the useful questions are which value changes, which taxes are affected, and when the change could apply to their property.
What would change for qualifying homesteads?
The proposal replaces the ordinary non-school homestead exemption with an exemption covering the first $150,000 of assessed value in 2027 and the first $250,000 in 2028. The larger amounts are total exemption amounts—not an additional deduction stacked on top of the ordinary homestead exemption. The $250,000 amount would be adjusted for positive inflation beginning in 2029. School district levies retain a $25,000 basic homestead exemption. Residency conditions matter. Enrolled resolution, Article VII, section 6
| Basic homestead treatment | Current 2026 rules | Proposed treatment if approved, subject to eligibility |
|---|
| Non-school property taxes | Up to $51,411 for the full ordinary benefit | Up to $150,000 in 2027; up to $250,000 in 2028 |
| School district property taxes | Up to $25,000 | Up to $25,000 |
The current non-school benefit includes an inflation-adjusted additional exemption; it is not simply a flat deduction available against every dollar of assessed value. Your property record identifies what has actually been applied. These figures describe the basic homestead benefit, not every exemption a property may qualify for. Current homestead explanation
New Florida residents have a separate provision
The enrolled text treats owners who had not maintained permanent Florida residence as of December 31, 2026 separately. It provides an initial exemption of up to $50,000 for non-school levies and $25,000 for school levies, with the larger non-school amount beginning with the fifth year of exemption under that provision, subject to the text's exceptions. The initial non-school amount would receive positive inflation adjustments beginning in 2028.
A purchase date alone does not resolve this residency question. Homeowners can ask their county property appraiser how the provision and any administrative requirements would apply if the amendment passes. Enrolled resolution, pages 9–12
What about second homes and other non-homestead property?
The proposal would reduce the annual assessment-increase limit for covered non-homestead property from 10% to 5%. The legislative analysis identifies non-homestead residential and nonresidential property and says the change applies to county, municipal, and special-district taxes, excluding school district taxes.
This is an assessment limitation. It is not a promise that the entire bill will rise by no more than 5%, nor is it the same as qualifying for a homestead exemption. Ownership changes and improvements can affect assessment treatment. Legislative analysis
For homesteaded property, the existing Save Our Homes assessment limitation is a separate rule. The Department of Revenue describes its annual limit as the lower of 3% or the applicable Consumer Price Index change; its published 2026 cap is 2.7%. Department of Revenue: Save Our Homes
When could the changes reach a tax bill?
The proposed effective date is January 1, 2027, if voters approve the amendment. The county overview identifies November 2027 as the first tax bills reflecting the changes. The larger exemption therefore would not recalculate a homeowner's 2026 bill. Save Our Homes and portability would remain in place. Official timeline and explanation
The proposal also addresses procedures for local governments to increase exemptions and permitted uses of county and municipal property-tax revenue. Those provisions matter when reading the whole measure; it covers more than the headline exemption amount. Legislative analysis
Why an exemption amount is not a tax-savings estimate
Florida's Department of Revenue separates three steps: assessment limitations affect assessed value; exemptions affect taxable value; and the applicable millage rates determine value-based taxes. School and non-school taxable values can differ. A bill can also include non-ad valorem assessments, which are charges calculated on another basis, such as a unit of service. Department of Revenue: understanding your property tax
That is why a headline exemption amount cannot establish a particular homeowner's future bill. The property's values, eligibility, taxing authorities, rates, and separate charges all need to be identified.
A useful next step: review the record you already have
Your current property record and TRIM notice provide a starting point. You can keep a simple checklist of the parcel number, assessment year, just value, assessed value, exemptions, and taxable values for school and non-school taxes. Questions about exemption eligibility belong with the county property appraiser; payment questions belong with the tax collector. Florida taxpayer resources
An election date is separate from a notice-specific filing deadline. FairPath's Florida TRIM-notice guide explains that distinction and links to official process information. For a broader framework, see how to read a property-tax ballot measure.
Review your property's available records with FairPath. Start with the available assessment sources and property facts, and compare them with your notice. Where records are unavailable or incomplete, your notice and the responsible county office remain useful references. This review does not determine Amendment 3 eligibility or predict savings. FairPath provides document-preparation software; homeowners review their facts and file their own materials.