Florida's Homestead Tax Amendment, Explained Simply
Every year, Florida homeowners get a break on property taxes through the "Homestead Exemption," a chunk of your home's value that doesn't get taxed, as long as it's your primary residence. Right now that break is $50,000. This November, voters will decide whether to make it a lot bigger.
What's Actually on the Ballot
The amendment (CS/HJR 1F, appearing as Amendment 3 on the November 3, 2026 ballot) would raise the non-school portion of the homestead exemption to $150,000 starting in 2027, then to $250,000 in 2028, with automatic inflation adjustments after that. It needs 60% voter approval to pass.
How Much You'd Actually Save
Based on 2025 average non-school tax rates, the average homeowner would save roughly $1,203 a year in 2027, growing to about $2,423 a year by 2028.
What Doesn't Change
Not every dollar of the increase applies everywhere. The exemption for school district taxes stays at $25,000. This part of your bill wouldn't change.
If You're Moving to Florida After 2026
New residents who establish homestead after January 1, 2027 would start with a smaller $50,000 exemption and need to maintain Florida residency for several years before qualifying for the full amount.
How to File for Homestead Exemption (If You Haven't Yet)
If you own and live in your Florida home as your primary residence and haven't filed for homestead exemption, here's how:
- Find your county's Property Appraiser. Use Florida's official statewide directory to find your county: floridarevenue.com/property/Pages/LocalOfficials.aspx. Select your county and it will take you straight to your local Property Appraiser's website.
- Apply online or in person. Most counties (including Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Broward, Miami-Dade) let you file the application online in about 10 to 15 minutes. You can also file in person at your county's office.
- Have these ready: your Florida driver's license or ID showing your home address, your vehicle registration, your voter registration or permanent residency card, and your Social Security number (required for all owners and spouses).
- File by March 1. The deadline to qualify for that tax year is March 1. If you missed it, you can still apply for the following year, and in some cases file late with your county for the current year.
- Keep proof you filed. Save your confirmation number or receipt in case you need to follow up. Once approved, the exemption applies automatically every year going forward, as long as you keep living there as your primary residence.
The Trade-Off
Local governments estimate they'd lose about $4.6 billion in the first year and $8.4 billion by the second, with no built-in replacement funding identified yet. That's something to watch as the vote approaches.
Wondering what your home is really worth heading into this change?
Frequently Asked Questions
When would this take effect?
January 1, 2027, if approved in November 2026. Nothing changes before then.
Does this apply to rental or investment properties?
No, the bigger exemption is only for homestead (primary residence) properties. Non-homestead properties would instead see their annual assessment increase capped at 5% instead of 10%.
Do I need to do anything to get it?
If it passes and you already have homestead exemption, it applies automatically. No extra paperwork needed for existing homeowners.
Could this affect home prices?
It's possible. Lower carrying costs can make homeownership more attractive, though experts are also watching for potential offsetting effects from local tax rate adjustments.