Florida Judge Hears Challenge to Property Tax Ballot Language

A Leon County judge heard arguments on July 30 regarding a legal challenge to the ballot language of Amendment 3, a proposed constitutional amendment to reduce property taxes. Plaintiffs, including former Senator Jeff Brandes and the group Save Our Voters From Misleading Ballot Language, Inc., argue that the title "Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes" uses emotional rhetoric to advocate for the measure rather than objectively informing voters. State counsel defended the wording, asserting that voters have the common sense to evaluate the proposal.

Ron DeSantis heavily promoted the measure, which seeks to increase the primary residence homestead tax exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, while lowering assessment caps on commercial and rental properties from 10% to 5%. If the judge finds the language deficient, Attorney General James Uthmeier will have 10 days to revise it before mail-in ballots print in late August.

While proponents claim the amendment lowers homeownership costs, the Florida Revenue Estimating Conference projects an annual property tax revenue loss of $11.8 billion. Opponents, such as the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association, warn that this shortfall could create budget gaps for public safety and infrastructure, potentially forcing local governments to increase sales taxes or fees to compensate.