DeSantis Rewrites Florida Property Tax Ballot After Court Ruling

Governor Ron DeSantis is overseeing a rewrite of the ballot language for Amendment 3, a proposed property tax overhaul appearing on Florida's November ballot. The move follows a ruling by Leon Circuit Court Judge David Frank, who determined the original wording was defective and misleading because it failed to warn renters that the relief applies only to homestead owners.

Amendment 3 proposes to increase the non-school homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, while lowering the assessment increase cap for non-homestead properties from 10% to 5%. DeSantis stated the state will not appeal the court's decision and tasked Attorney General James Uthmeier with finalizing neutral language. The governor asserts the new summary will be straightforward and ensure voters understand the tax relief provided.

U.S. Representative Byron Donalds has become the primary advocate for the measure, spending at least $10 million on advertisements. While DeSantis supports the goal of reining in government, he previously noted the legislative version was not his original proposal.

Opponents, including the Florida Sheriffs Association and State Representative Rob Long, describe the plan as a shell game. They warn the overhaul could deplete local government budgets by $12 billion by 2031, potentially forcing cuts to public safety and emergency services or shifting the financial burden to renters through increased fees.