Ron DeSantis Pushes Amendment 3 to Shift Florida Property Taxes
Governor Ron DeSantis is campaigning for a ballot measure to eliminate property taxes for permanent residents by increasing the tax burden on non-resident property owners.
Florida voters will decide on November 3 whether to approve Amendment 3, a constitutional measure championed by Ron DeSantis. The proposal seeks to eliminate residential property taxes for permanent residents, known as homesteaders, with homes valued at $250,000 or less. Specifically, the amendment would raise the non-school homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028.
To offset a projected $12 billion annual revenue loss, the plan targets non-residents, including commercial entities, Airbnb operators, and Canadian snowbirds. While the measure does not create a new tax, it ensures seasonal homeowners subsidize relief for permanent residents. As a guardrail, the amendment reduces the annual cap on assessment increases for non-homesteaded properties from 10 percent to five percent.
Opposition group Vote No on 3 describes the measure as a tax shift rather than relief, warning it could decimate public services. Projections suggest the Miami district alone could lose $2 million by 2028, potentially impacting law enforcement and water management. Evan Rachkovsky of the Canadian Snowbird Association noted that the amendment provides property owners with greater predictability regarding assessment increases.
The amendment requires 60 percent voter approval to pass, with early voting scheduled to begin October 24.
