FLORIDA IN THE NEWS
Indeed, Florida has been a prominent topic in the news, particularly on social media platforms. You might have noticed it being talked about a lot this week. Yes, at last, the legislators in Florida have decided to include an amendment on the ballot for November 3rd, allowing all registered voters in Florida to cast their votes for starting the cleanup on Aisle 4! There has been a significant spill for a long time, and it is time for a thorough cleanup! This only pertains to the Homestead Exemption. More information can be found below. To be approved and incorporated into the Florida Constitution, it needs 60% of voters to agree.
Florida lawmakers passed a sweeping property tax constitutional amendment proposal (HJR 1-F) during a special legislative session that concluded on June 2, 2026. Backed by Governor Ron DeSantis, the “Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes” amendment has officially been sent to the November 3, 2026 general election ballot. [1, 2, 3]
To become part of the state constitution, the amendment requires a 60% supermajority approval from voters. If approved, implementation will begin on January 1, 2027. [1, 2, 3]
1. Massive Homestead Exemption Increases [1, 2]
The core of the amendment is a massive increase in the homestead exemption for a homeowner’s primary residence: [1, 2]
2027 Tax Year: The homestead exemption for non-school property taxes will jump from the current $50,000 to $150,000.
2028 Tax Year: The exemption will increase to $250,000.
2029 and Beyond: The $250,000 baseline will be indexed to inflation annually.
Pathway to Elimination: The amendment directs the Legislature to eventually establish a schedule to fully eliminate homestead property taxes. [1, 2, 3, 4]
2. The “School Tax” Carveout
To protect education funding, the Florida Legislature modified the governor’s original plan to ensure that the new exemptions do not apply to school district levies. Homeowners will continue paying the school-designated portion of their tax bill (which makes up roughly 40% of an average Florida property tax bill). [1]
3. Caps on Commercial & Rental Properties [1]
The amendment also offers tax relief for small businesses and landlords. It cuts the current 10% cap on annual assessment increases for non-homestead properties (vacation homes, rental units, and commercial buildings) down to a 5% cap starting next year. [1, 2]
4. 5-Year Residency Requirement for Newcomers [1, 2]
To ensure the relief primarily targets long-term Floridians, anyone who establishes Florida residency after January 1, 2027, must maintain continuous residency for five years before becoming eligible for the expanded super exemption. Until then, they will only receive the standard baseline exemptions. [1, 2, 3]
5. Local Spending Restricted to “Core Services” [1]
Because local governments stand to lose billions in tax revenue, the amendment mandates that counties and cities may only spend remaining ad valorem tax revenues on strict “core public services,” which include: [1, 2, 3]
Public safety (police, fire, and emergency medical services).
Public schools and education.
Infrastructure (roads, bridges, and stormwater systems).
Natural resources (flood control).
Existing local bonds and debt service payments.
Government employee retirement benefits.
Standard administrative costs for constitutional county offices (e.g., supervisor of elections, property appraiser). [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Bottom line
Finally keep in mind that by the time you read this article the Florida Department of Government Efficiency has been auditing cities and counties and so far they have found this https://www.flgov.com/eog/news/press/2025/governor-ron-desantis-and-cfo-blaise-ingoglia-highlight-excessive-local-government Therefore, it is important to note that there is room for improvement and smooth transition takes place to Make Florida Affordable Again.
We will leave you with this thought and its real, Abraham Hamilton, III pointed out in one of his podcasts that in the Communist Manifesto, written by Karl Marx and Frederick Engels and published in February 1848, it mentions on page 56 that: However, in most developed nations, the following ideas will mostly apply. 1. Ending ownership of land and using the income from land for public needs. Also, that you will pay rent for the rest of your life to the Government! Doesn’t this seem like the path we are currently on? This is the reason why there will be strong push from politicians, towns, counties, and local governments to keep property taxes. Have you ever thought about why these political groups are fighting against it and where all that money goes? Vote YES, on the Property Tax Amendment on November 3rd, please don’t give in to all of the fear mongering out there!
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