Florida voters to decide on proposed changes to homestead exemptions and property tax limits

Press release from the Alachua County Property Appraiser

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida voters will consider a proposed constitutional amendment affecting several key property tax provisions when it appears on the November 2026 General Election ballot. The proposed amendment originates from legislation approved during the 2026 Special Session and will appear on the statewide ballot as a constitutional amendment for voter consideration.

If approved, the amendment would increase homestead exemptions, modify assessment limitations for non-homesteaded properties, and preserve existing taxpayer protections such as portability and several constitutional exemptions currently available to Florida property owners.

As a proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution, the measure must receive approval from at least 60 percent of voters to take effect. “This tax proposal would represent one of the most comprehensive changes to Florida’s property tax structure in recent years,” said Ayesha Solomon, Alachua County Property Appraiser. “Whether you own a home, operate a business, own rental property, or plan to become a Florida homeowner in the future, this proposal has the potential to affect you. That is why understanding the facts before casting a ballot is so important.”

If approved, the amendment would increase the homestead exemption applicable to non-school taxes from its current structure to a maximum exemption of $150,000 beginning in 2027 and to $250,000 beginning in 2028, while maintaining the existing $25,000 exemption applicable to school district taxes. The proposal would also reduce the assessment cap on non-homesteaded properties from 10 percent to 5 percent beginning January 1, 2027.

The amendment would leave existing protections in place, including the Save Our Homes assessment limitation, portability benefits, senior exemptions, veteran exemptions, disability exemptions, and widow and widower exemptions. The proposal also establishes a $50,000 homestead exemption for individuals who become permanent residents of Florida on or after January 1, 2027. Current legislative discussions indicate this provision is intended to apply to individuals who become permanent residents of Florida and establish a homestead as of that date; however, additional guidance and implementation details are expected if the amendment is approved by voters.

“Property taxes affect homeowners, businesses, renters, and public services throughout our community,” Solomon said. “The role of the Property Appraiser’s Office is to provide accurate, factual information about Florida’s property tax system and help residents understand how proposed constitutional changes may impact them. Our goal is to ensure voters have access to the information they need as they prepare to make decisions at the ballot box.”

The Property Appraiser’s Office will continue to publish fact sheets, explanatory graphics, and educational resources regarding the proposed amendment to help voters understand the proposed amendment and its potential impacts as they prepare to make their decision in November 2026. For additional information about Florida’s property tax system and homestead exemptions, visit www.acpafl.org.