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Florida Legislature Sends $250,000 Homestead Exemption Measure to November Ballot

If 60% of voters approve it the plan would raise homestead exemptions to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028 while projecting multi‑billion dollar losses for non‑school local governments.

Overview

  • The Legislature approved HJR 1-F / SJR 2-F and voted to place the amendment on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot after the House passed it 75-26 and the Senate 30-9 on Tuesday.
  • Under the proposal homestead exemptions for non‑school property taxes rise to $150,000 on Jan. 1, 2027 and to $250,000 on Jan. 1, 2028 with future increases tied to inflation.
  • Lawmakers changed the governor’s original draft to exempt school levies, preserve funding for county constitutional officers, remove a proposed state trust fund, and direct the Legislature to create a timetable toward full elimination of non‑school homestead taxes.
  • Analyses and House staff estimate the change could reduce non‑school local revenue by roughly $4.6 billion to as much as $8.4 billion annually, prompting warnings that cities and counties may cut services, raise fees, or shift taxes.
  • The vote launches an intense statewide campaign season this summer and fall where supporters will frame the measure as homeowner relief and opponents — including municipal groups and many Democrats — will argue it risks local budgets and public safety; the amendment must win at least 60% of votes to take effect.