Overview
- Amendment 3, placed on the November ballot after a June legislative special session, would raise the non‑school homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028 while lowering the assessment‑growth cap for non‑homestead property.
- State economists and independent analysts estimate the measure would eventually reduce local non‑school revenues by about $11.86 billion a year, with the biggest dollar hits in large counties and the largest proportional losses in some rural counties.
- Polling from St. Pete Polls shows roughly 45% support among likely voters, well below the 60% needed to approve a constitutional amendment in Florida, while about 25% remain undecided.
- Sheriffs, police chiefs and firefighter leaders in multiple counties warned in mid‑September that the projected revenue losses would force cuts to policing, fire/EMS and 911 services, and several cities and advisory boards are mapping specific budget reductions and salary freezes.
- Supporters including Gov. Ron DeSantis and a Realtor‑backed campaign with a $10 million ad infusion argue the measure gives homeowners tax relief, but the governor’s pledge of possible state grants or transition aid lacks details and has not answered how recurring local losses would be replaced.