08/25/2026
š” THINKING ABOUT MAKING FLORIDA YOUR PERMANENT HOME? THIS IS ONE TO WATCH. š“
Thereās a proposed property-tax change heading to Florida voters this November that could have a BIG impact on homeowners who claim Florida as their primary residence.
Amendment 3 will be on the November 3, 2026 ballot, and if it receives at least 60% of the vote, Floridaās homestead exemption could increase substantially over the next few years.
Hereās the quick breakdown š
š The non-school homestead exemption could increase to $150,000 in 2027
š It could then increase to $250,000 in 2028
š Beginning in 2029, the exemption would be adjusted for inflation
š Some homesteaded properties assessed at $250,000 or less could potentially owe little or no non-school ad valorem property tax
š The assessment cap on non-homesteaded properties could also drop from 10% to 5% annually
But thereās one part of this proposal that anyone considering a move to Florida should pay attention to:
šØ DECEMBER 31, 2026 COULD BE A KEY DATE.
Under the proposal, homeowners who establish Florida residency by the end of 2026 could be positioned to receive the increased exemption sooner.
Those who establish their Florida homestead after that date may have to wait until their fifth year of homestead before receiving the larger exemption.
So if becoming a Florida resident is already part of your plans, the timing of your home purchase and establishing residency could become much more important.
A few things to keep in mind:
š This is still only a proposal and must be approved by Florida voters.
š The exemption is based on your property's assessed value, not what you paid for the home.
š School taxes and certain other assessments could still remain on your tax bill.
Florida already offers some great benefits to homeowners who make the state their permanent residence, and this proposal could make the homestead benefit even more significant.
š“ Considering a move to Floridaās Gulf Coast?
If buying a primary residence here is on your radar for 2026, Iād be happy to help you start planning.
š² Michele Taylor
Michele Taylor Team | eXp Realty
Serving Floridaās Gulf Coast