From PolitiFact · Amy Sherman · · 3m
Florida Amendment 3 passed: what happens next
Voters approved a property tax cut that will cost local governments billions. Now comes the hard part: figuring out how to pay for schools, police and fire.
In brief
Voters approved a property tax cut that will cost local governments billions. Now comes the hard part: figuring out how to pay for schools, police and fire. Florida voters approved Amendment 3 with sixty-two percent support, raising homestead property tax exemptions and cutting local government revenue by thirteen…
Amendment 3 wins with 62%
Florida voters approved Amendment 3 on November 6, 2026. The ballot measure will raise the homestead property tax exemption to one hundred fifty thousand dollars in two thousand twenty-seven and two hundred fifty thousand dollars…
Schools spared, but local budgets hit
Property taxes that go to schools are not affected by the amendment. But Florida economists estimate the amendment will cut thirteen point seven billion dollars in local government revenue in its first two years.
Revenue loss continues long-term
After the first two years, local government revenue will drop by nearly twelve billion dollars a year.
DeSantis plans special session
Governor Ron DeSantis, who supported Amendment 3 after proposing a steeper version, said he will call a special session to implement a taxpayer bill of rights before his term ends.
DeSantis wants to block workarounds
DeSantis said lawmakers would set the schedule for further homestead exemption and limit local governments from doing an end run around the amendment and taxing them in other ways.
“doing an end run around the amendment and taxing them in other ways”
Experts doubt sales tax hikes
Social media users warned sales taxes could reach fifteen percent. But experts said this is doubtful. The state's base sales tax rate is six percent, and local governments cannot unilaterally raise it.
Other taxes and fees more likely
Cities and counties are more likely to address revenue gaps by increasing local utility fees, service charges or millage rates.
“increases in taxes for non-homesteaded properties, rentals, second homes, businesses and industrial properties”
Rents likely to rise over time
Analysts said it is likely that rents will go up over time, but it is hard to know by how much.
Rental tax increases projected
A September analysis commissioned by the Florida Housing Coalition, Florida Apartment Association and Miami Homes for All found that if local governments raise property tax rates, annual taxes would increase by four hundred six dollars…
Emergency services face cuts
Martin County Fire Chief Chad Cianciulli told county commissioners the amendment could lead to the department losing up to one hundred sixteen firefighters over the next two fiscal years.
Hialeah moves quickly on cuts
The city of Hialeah held emergency meetings after Amendment 3 passed to discuss salary reductions and a hiring freeze. Other agencies and local governments preemptively slowed hiring in preparation for the amendment.
Property tax revenue surged recently
In two thousand twenty-five, Florida's schools, counties, cities and special districts took in about fifty-nine point one billion dollars in property tax revenue, a nearly seventy-five percent increase from two thousand nineteen, driven by the…
Rural areas face steeper cuts
Although large cities with substantial commercial tax bases may have room for cuts, hundreds of smaller municipalities and rural counties operate on tight margins.
“wiping out of a lot of their primary means of generating revenue”
Months ahead for budget decisions
It could take local governments months to decide how to adjust their budgets and services.
“You may have to go without services you are accustomed to or at a lower level”
Here's the gist
Florida voters approved Amendment 3 with sixty-two percent support, raising homestead property tax exemptions and cutting local government revenue by thirteen point seven billion dollars in two years, forcing difficult choices on services and taxes.
