Separating the Facts from the Headlines
QUICK ANSWER
Yes, Florida homeowners could receive significant property tax relief if this constitutional amendment is approved by voters.
No, the amendment itself does not eliminate police departments, fire departments, emergency medical services, parks, libraries, or other essential local government services.
Yes, there are qualifications, waiting periods for some new Florida residents, and exceptions.
Here’s what you need to know.
If you’ve been watching the news or scrolling through social media, you’ve probably seen a lot of discussionabout Florida’s proposed Property Tax Amendment.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve received several calls from homeowners asking questions like:
- “Will we lose our police department?”
- Will our fire department lose funding?”
- “Will parks and libraries close?”
- “Does this apply to my rental property?”
- “What if I move to Florida after 2026?”
Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation circulating online. Some articles focus only on the potentialtax savings, while others focus only on concerns about local government funding.
My goal isn’t to tell you how to vote.
My goal is simply to explain what the proposed amendment actually says so you can make an informeddecision.
What Is Florida's Proposed Property Tax Amendment?
In November, Florida voters will decide whether to approve a constitutional amendment that would makesignificant changes to Florida’s property tax system.
If approved by at least 60% of Florida voters, the amendment would become effective January 1, 2027.
The proposal would:
- Expand Florida’s Homestead Exemption for qualifying homeowners.
- Reduce the annual assessment increase cap on many non-homestead properties from 10% to 5%.
- Continue funding essential local government services through county and municipal budgets.
Who Qualifies?
To qualify for the expanded Homestead Exemption immediately under the proposal, you must:
- Own your primary residence in Florida.
- Qualify for Florida’s Homestead Exemption.
- Have established your permanent Florida residence by December 31, 2026.
If you establish your permanent Florida residence after December 31, 2026, you would continue receiving Florida’s current Homestead Exemption during your first four years. Under the proposal, you would become eligible for the expanded exemption beginning with your fifth year.
Beginning in 2030, local governments would have the option, under certain circumstances established bylaw, to shorten that waiting period.
Who Does NOT Qualify?
The expanded Homestead Exemption is intended for owner-occupied primary residences.
It generally does not apply to:
- Rental properties
- Investment properties
- Vacation homes
- Second homes
- Commercial properties
- Any property that does not qualify for Florida’s Homestead Exemption
The proposal does include a separate provision reducing the annual assessment increase cap on many non-homestead properties from 10% to 5%.
What Would Change?
If approved, the amendment would:
- Increase the Homestead Exemption for qualifying homeowners.
- Continue collecting school district property taxes under existing law.
- Reduce the annual assessment increase cap on many non-homestead properties.
- Take effect beginning January 1, 2027.
Understanding State and Local Funding
One of the biggest points of confusion is the difference between Florida’s state budget and your localgovernment’s budget.
Florida has reported strong budget reserves and budget surpluses in recent years. Supporters of theamendment point to the state’s financial position as one reason they believe meaningful property tax reliefis possible.
However, property taxes primarily fund local governments, not the State of Florida.
If this amendment is approved, future decisions regarding funding and budgeting would continue to bemade by the Legislature and local governments.
Will Police, Fire Departments, Parks, Libraries, and Roads LoseFunding?
This is by far the question I’m asked the most.
The amendment itself does not eliminate police departments.
It does not eliminate fire departments.
It does not eliminate emergency medical services.
It does not require parks to close.
It does not require libraries to close.
Cities and counties would still be responsible for adopting annual budgets and providing the services theircommunities depend on.
The amendment specifically identifies essential public services, including law enforcement, fire rescue,emergency medical services, infrastructure, education, retirement obligations, and county and municipaloperations as authorized uses of local property tax revenue.
The discussion happening across Florida is about how local governments would replace reduced propertytax revenue if the amendment is approved.
Supporters believe local governments can improve efficiency, reduce unnecessary spending, and identifyother revenue sources.
Opponents believe local governments could face budget challenges that may require future adjustments.
Those are differing opinions about what could happen in the future.
They are not provisions written into the amendment itself.
Real-Life Examples
Example 1
You own and live in your Florida home as your primary residence and established your Florida Homesteadby December 31, 2026.
Result: You would qualify for the expanded Homestead Exemption immediately if the amendment passes.
Example 2
You move to Florida and establish your Homestead in 2027.
Result: You would continue receiving the current Homestead Exemption during your first four years andbecome eligible for the expanded exemption beginning with your fifth year.
Example 3
You own a rental property.
Result: The expanded Homestead Exemption would not apply.
Example 4
You own a vacation or second home.
Result: The expanded Homestead Exemption would not apply.
Example 5
You own commercial or investment property.
Result: You would not qualify for the expanded Homestead Exemption, but the proposal would reduce theannual assessment increase cap on many non-homestead properties.
Estimate Your Potential Property Tax Savings
Wondering how this proposal could affect your property taxes?
Florida has created an official Property Tax Calculator where homeowners can search by property addressand estimate their potential savings under the proposed amendment.
Official Florida Property Tax Calculator: https://www.saveourhomesfl.com
The website also includes:
- A property tax savings calculator
- Information about the proposed amendment
- A Myth vs. Fact section
- Frequently asked questions
Please remember that the calculator provides estimates based on the proposal as it currently exists. Actualsavings will depend on your property’s assessed value, exemptions, and the final implementation of theamendment if approved by voters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this eliminate all property taxes?
No. School district property taxes would continue. The proposal focuses on expanding the HomesteadExemption for qualifying homeowners and changing the non-school portion of Florida’s property taxsystem.
Will police and fire departments automatically lose funding?
No. The amendment itself does not eliminate police departments, fire departments, or emergency medicalservices. Local governments would continue adopting annual budgets and providing these services.
Will parks and libraries automatically close?
No. The amendment does not require parks or libraries to close. Decisions about local services wouldcontinue to be made through each city’s or county’s annual budgeting process.
Does this apply to rental or investment properties?
No. Rental properties, investment properties, vacation homes, and second homes do not qualify for theexpanded Homestead Exemption.
Do I have to establish my Florida Homestead before December 31, 2026?
Yes. Under the proposal, homeowners who establish their permanent Florida residence by December 31,2026, would qualify for the expanded exemption immediately if it is approved. Those establishing residencyafter that date would become eligible beginning with their fifth year.
Final Thoughts
Whether you support this proposal or oppose it, understanding what it actually says is important.
Florida homeowners deserve clear, factual information, especially when a proposed constitutional amendment could affect property taxes for years to come.
As a Realtor and Broker serving Central Florida, I believe helping homeowners stay informed is just as important as helping them buy or sell a home.
If you have questions about Florida real estate, homeownership, or how this proposal could affect you, I’m always happy to help.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Constitutional amendments and implementing legislation may change. Readers should review the official ballot language and consult appropriate professionals regarding their individual circumstances.