Florida Amendment 3: What the November 2026 Property Tax Vote Means for Jacksonville Beaches Homeowners and Buyers
Short answer: Amendment 3 is on the November 3, 2026 ballot and needs 60% of the vote to pass. It would raise the homestead exemption on non-school property taxes from about $51,411 to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, and lower the annual assessment cap on second homes, rentals and other non-homestead property from 10% to 5% for non-school taxes. It would not change Save Our Homes or portability.
Money decisions deserve plain facts. My job here is to explain what is on the ballot and how it could affect a move, not to tell you how to vote.
What would Amendment 3 change?
|
|
Today |
If approved |
|---|---|---|
|
Homestead exemption (non-school taxes) |
Up to about $51,411 (2026) |
$150,000 in 2027, $250,000 in 2028 |
|
Annual assessment cap, non-homestead property |
10% |
5% for non-school taxes |
|
Save Our Homes 3% cap |
In place |
Unchanged |
|
Portability |
In place |
Unchanged |
What happens if I move to Florida?
People who become Florida residents after December 31, 2026 would receive the current exemption for their first four years, with the enhanced exemption beginning in year five. People who are permanent Florida residents with a homestead exemption as of December 31, 2026 would be eligible for the larger exemption.
Who is affected most?
- Current homestead owners: the larger exemption would appear automatically on tax notices.
- Second-home and rental owners: a lower assessment cap could slow tax growth on those properties.
- Relocating buyers: timing of your residency and homestead filing matters. Ask a tax professional before you plan around it.
Does it pass automatically?
No. Current law stays in effect unless at least 60% of voters approve the measure. Actual savings would depend on your assessed value, existing exemptions, local millage rates and the final implementing laws.
What should buyers do now?
- Budget property taxes using today's rules and the county's millage rate, not hoped-for changes.
- Ask your Realtor to pull the current assessed and taxable value, and note that taxes can reset after a sale.
- File for homestead by the deadline once you own and live in the home.
FAQ
When is the vote? November 3, 2026.
Does it eliminate property taxes? No. It changes exemptions and assessment caps. Local governments would still levy property taxes.
Where can I read the official explanation? Your county property appraiser's website posts a neutral FAQ.
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