Are Florida Property Taxes Going Away in 2027?
Are Florida property taxes going away?
That's a question I've been hearing more frequently from homeowners and people considering a move to Florida.
And the short answer is:
No. Florida property taxes are not going away.
But a proposed constitutional amendment on the November 2026 ballot could significantly change how much Florida homeowners pay in property taxes.
It's called Florida Amendment 3, and if approved by voters, it would increase the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes beginning in 2027.
For current Florida homeowners, retirees, and anyone planning to relocate to Florida, this could be a major change.
But there are some important details you need to understand before assuming your property taxes are going to disappear.
Let's break down what Amendment 3 proposes, who could benefit, and the dates you need to know.
What Is Florida Amendment 3?
Florida Amendment 3 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would increase the homestead exemption for qualifying Florida homeowners.
Currently, Florida homeowners who qualify for the Homestead Exemption receive property tax benefits that reduce the taxable value of their primary residence.
Amendment 3 proposes increasing the exemption for non-school property taxes to:
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$150,000 beginning January 1, 2027
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$250,000 beginning January 1, 2028
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Inflation-adjusted exemption amounts beginning in 2029
The amendment would also make changes to how certain non-homestead properties are assessed.
However, none of these changes are guaranteed.
Florida voters must approve Amendment 3 in November 2026 before the proposed changes can take effect.
How Does Florida's Homestead Exemption Work Today?
Florida's Homestead Exemption is one of the most important property tax benefits available to qualifying homeowners.
To qualify, you generally must own the property and make it your permanent Florida residence as of January 1 of the applicable tax year.
The current exemption structure includes:
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An initial $25,000 exemption that generally applies to all property taxes, including school taxes
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An additional inflation-adjusted exemption for qualifying assessed value above $50,000, which applies only to non-school taxes
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Save Our Homes protection, which limits annual increases in assessed value for qualifying homesteaded properties
For 2026, the total exemption available for non-school taxes can exceed $50,000 because of inflation adjustments.
These benefits can reduce your taxable property value and help protect homeowners from substantial increases in assessed value over time.
What Would Change Under Amendment 3?
The biggest proposed change is the amount of assessed property value that would be exempt from non-school property taxes.
If Amendment 3 passes, qualifying homeowners who meet the residency provisions could receive a much larger exemption.
Beginning in 2027
The homestead exemption for non-school property taxes would increase to $150,000.
Beginning in 2028
The exemption would increase again to $250,000.
Beginning in 2029
The maximum exemption amount would begin receiving annual inflation adjustments.
This could significantly reduce the taxable value of qualifying primary residences for non-school property taxes.
But there's an important distinction.
A $250,000 homestead exemption does not mean homeowners receive $250,000 in cash or save $250,000 in property taxes.
It means up to $250,000 of the property's assessed value could be exempt from qualifying non-school property taxes.
Your actual savings would depend on your property's assessed value, applicable tax rates, exemptions, and individual circumstances.
Would School Property Taxes Go Away?
No.
This is one of the biggest misconceptions surrounding Amendment 3.
The proposed larger homestead exemption applies to non-school property taxes.
School district property taxes would still exist.
Under the proposal, qualifying homeowners would continue to receive the applicable $25,000 exemption for school taxes.
That means even homeowners who receive the full proposed $250,000 non-school exemption could still have school property taxes and other charges on their property tax bill.
So when you hear someone say Florida is eliminating property taxes, that's not an accurate description of Amendment 3.
Why December 31, 2026, Is an Important Date
This is one of the most important details for people planning to move to Florida.
Amendment 3 includes a provision based on whether someone is a permanent Florida resident as of December 31, 2026.
Under the proposal, people who establish Florida residency by that date and later qualify for Homestead could be eligible for the larger exemption without the additional waiting period.
But people who become Florida residents after that date would be treated differently.
That's why this amendment is particularly important for buyers who are currently planning a relocation.
However, don't confuse simply purchasing a property with establishing Florida residency.
Owning a home in Florida does not automatically make it your permanent residence or qualify it for Homestead.
Residency and homestead eligibility requirements still matter.
What Happens If You Move to Florida in 2027 or Later?
Under the proposed amendment, people who become Florida residents after December 31, 2026, would not immediately receive the full increased exemption.
Instead, they would initially qualify for the exemption structure provided for newer Florida residents.
The proposal includes:
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An initial non-school homestead exemption of $50,000, with applicable inflation adjustments
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A waiting period before receiving the larger exemption
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Eligibility for the larger exemption beginning in the fifth year of qualifying Homestead
For example, someone who first qualifies for Homestead in 2027 would generally reach their fifth qualifying year in 2031, assuming continuous eligibility.
That is a significant consideration for people who are planning their retirement or relocation timeline.
It doesn't necessarily mean you should rush to buy a Florida home.
It means you should understand the proposed rules before making major financial decisions.
What Happens to Florida's Save Our Homes Benefit?
Florida's Save Our Homes benefit is another important part of the state's property tax system.
Under current law, qualifying homesteaded properties generally receive a limitation on annual increases in assessed value.
That limitation is:
3% or the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower.
This protects qualifying homeowners from having their assessed value increase at the same pace as market values during periods of rapid appreciation.
Amendment 3 does not eliminate that existing Save Our Homes protection.
And remember, Save Our Homes limits increases in assessed value.
It does not guarantee that your actual property tax bill can only increase by 3%.
Changes in millage rates and other assessments can still affect what you owe.
What About Second Homes and Investment Properties?
Amendment 3 also includes a proposed change affecting certain non-homestead properties.
Currently, qualifying non-homestead properties generally receive a limitation of 10% on annual increases in assessed value for non-school property taxes.
Amendment 3 proposes reducing that assessment increase cap to 5%.
This could affect qualifying:
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Second homes
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Vacation properties
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Rental properties
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Investment properties
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Certain other non-homestead properties
This is not the same as receiving a Homestead Exemption.
And it does not mean non-homestead property taxes would be reduced by 5%.
The proposed change relates to the annual assessment increase limitation.
What About Public Safety and Local Government Services?
One concern surrounding property tax reductions is how local governments would continue funding essential services.
Amendment 3 includes provisions addressing how counties and municipalities may use property tax revenue.
The proposal identifies uses including:
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Public safety
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Education and schools
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Infrastructure
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Natural resources
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Bond debt service
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Employee retirement benefits
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Government operations and administration
It also includes provisions allowing certain additional expenditures through local government approval, subject to applicable law.
The amendment would establish a process for counties and municipalities to increase homestead exemptions further, potentially up to the full assessed value for their respective levies.
Special districts could also increase exemptions through voter-approved referendums.
However, the financial impact on individual communities would depend on how the amendment is implemented and how local governments respond.
Important Florida Amendment 3 Dates
If you currently own property in Florida or you're planning to relocate, these are the dates to remember.
November 2026
Florida voters decide whether to approve Amendment 3. Constitutional amendments require at least 60% voter approval.
December 31, 2026
An important residency cutoff under the proposed amendment for determining eligibility for the larger exemption without the additional waiting period.
January 1, 2027
If approved, the proposed $150,000 non-school homestead exemption would take effect for qualifying homeowners.
January 1, 2028
The proposed non-school exemption would increase to $250,000 for qualifying homeowners.
January 1, 2029
Inflation adjustments to the larger exemption would begin.
These dates are especially important for people making long-term decisions about buying, retiring, or relocating to Florida.
Don't Assume the Seller's Property Taxes Will Be Yours
This is something I explain to buyers relocating to Florida all the time.
The property taxes currently shown on a Florida real estate listing are not necessarily what you will pay after purchasing that home.
The current owner may have benefited from years of Homestead and Save Our Homes protection.
After a change in ownership, the property's assessed value may reset according to Florida law.
That can create a substantial difference between the seller's tax bill and the new buyer's future taxes.
Even if Amendment 3 passes, buyers will still need to consider:
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The property's assessed value
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Homestead eligibility
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Save Our Homes
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Applicable millage rates
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Non-ad valorem assessments
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Any additional exemptions
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The proposed amendment's residency requirements
This is why I encourage buyers to estimate their future property taxes rather than simply relying on what the current owner pays.
How to Estimate Florida Property Taxes Before Buying
If you're considering purchasing a home in Martin County, there's a helpful resource available through the Martin County Property Appraiser.
The office provides a Property Tax Estimator to help buyers evaluate potential property taxes.
Martin County Property Appraiser
Visit the website and select Property Tax Estimator.
Keep in mind that any estimate is based on assumptions and available information.
Your actual property tax bill may differ.
If you're purchasing in another Florida county, check with that county's Property Appraiser for available tax estimation tools.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Amendment 3
Are Florida property taxes being eliminated?
No. Amendment 3 proposes increasing the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes. It does not eliminate all Florida property taxes.
Will Florida homeowners receive a $250,000 exemption?
If Amendment 3 is approved, qualifying homeowners could receive a non-school homestead exemption of up to $250,000 beginning in 2028, subject to the amendment's eligibility requirements.
Will school property taxes still exist?
Yes. The proposed increased exemption applies to non-school property taxes. School district property taxes would continue.
Do I have to be a Florida resident by December 31, 2026?
That date is important under the proposed amendment. People who become Florida residents later would generally face a waiting period before receiving the larger exemption.
What happens if I move to Florida after 2026?
Under the proposal, qualifying newer residents would initially receive a smaller exemption for non-school taxes and generally become eligible for the larger exemption beginning in their fifth qualifying homestead year.
Does Amendment 3 change taxes on second homes?
The proposal would reduce the annual assessment increase limitation for qualifying non-homestead properties from 10% to 5% for non-school taxes.
When will Florida voters decide Amendment 3?
Amendment 3 is scheduled for the November 2026 general election. It must receive at least 60% voter approval to pass.
Should I buy a Florida home before December 31, 2026?
That depends on your finances, lifestyle, relocation plans, and individual circumstances.
The proposed residency provision is worth understanding, but it should not be the only reason you decide when to purchase a home.
Where Can You Read the Official Florida Amendment 3 Information?
For the official ballot summary and proposed amendment language, visit the Florida Department of State.
Official Florida Amendment 3 Information
https://constitutionalinitiatives.dos.fl.gov/Home/InitDetail?account=10&seqnum=110
It's important to review the actual proposal rather than relying only on social media headlines claiming Florida property taxes are disappearing.
Ready to Make the Move to Florida?
If you're considering relocating or retiring in Florida, understanding property taxes is one of the most important parts of planning your move.
And property taxes are only one piece of the puzzle.
Homeowners insurance, flood zones, HOA fees, CDD fees, new construction costs, and community lifestyle can all affect your decision.
I live and work on Florida's Treasure Coast, helping buyers and sellers from Vero Beach through Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Palm City, Hobe Sound, and down to Jupiter.
📘 Download the Free Florida Relocation Guide
Get information about Florida communities, housing costs, property taxes, homeowners insurance, lifestyle, and what to expect before you relocate.
https://canva.link/hubwcembzg2g21n
🎥 Join the Welcome to Florida Webinar
We talk about Florida property taxes, Homestead Exemption, homeowners insurance, HOAs, CDD fees, new construction, hurricanes, lifestyle, and the costs that many people don't think about until after moving.
I even share my personal Florida bills so you can see real-world examples of what it costs to live here.
The webinars are held on select Wednesdays at 7 PM Eastern. Pick the available date that works best for you.
https://calendly.com/melaineygunning/moving-to-florida-webinar
Watch My YouTube Video: Florida Amendment 3 Explained
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFWL96d5kTc
Whether you're moving next month, next year, or you're just starting your research, these resources can help you understand Florida before making your move.
Melainey Gunning
Your Florida Real Estate Guide
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