Florida voters face a consequential choice on the ballot regarding property tax reform through Amendment 3, a measure designed to provide financial relief to homeowners while sparking intense debate among local officials, lawmakers, and taxpayers. To pass, the constitutional amendment must reach the 60 percent voter threshold.
Proposed Constitutional Amendment Seeks Major Changes
The proposal would raise the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, with annual inflation adjustments to follow beginning in 2029. These additional exemptions exclude school district property taxes. Additionally, the measure would lower the cap on annual assessment increases for non-homestead properties—including rental and commercial real estate—from 10 percent to 5 percent, according to details reported by the South Florida Times.
Supporters of the tax reform, including Florida realtors, argue that the changes will provide greater predictability for property owners, tenants, and businesses alike. The tax reform is spearheaded by Gov. Ron DeSantis, who noted that homeowners have struggled to pay local property taxes that have increased by 12 percent over the past two years. DeSantis stated he will campaign for the measure despite it differing from his original proposal to reduce property taxes.
Local Governments Warn of Revenue Shortfalls and Service Cuts
Local government leaders and nonprofit organizations are actively campaigning against Amendment 3, warning that it will trigger massive revenue losses and place municipal services in jeopardy. In Miami-Dade County, the budget office estimates the measure would reduce property tax revenues by roughly 20 percent—representing a loss of approximately $700 million once fully implemented in 2029.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who has hosted a series of town hall meetings to highlight the potential impacts, noted that approximately 70 cents of every dollar collected from property taxes in the county funds public safety, transportation, and the Jackson Health system. Local officials warn that funding shortfalls could force cutbacks in police, fire, EMS, parks, and other essential operations, alongside delayed hiring and postponed capital improvement projects.
Healthcare System Impacts and Public Hospital Losses
Beyond municipal services, Florida’s healthcare network faces potential financial strain if the ballot measure is approved. A study conducted by the Florida Policy Institute projects that public hospitals across the state could experience hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue losses over a three-year period.
Specific projected losses include:
- Healthcare District of Palm Beach County: $66.5 million
- North Broward Hospital District: More than $100 million
- South Broward Hospital District: About $2.2 million
- Jackson Health System in Miami-Dade County: Estimated $63.7 million
Voter Education Portal and Calls for Review
Florida residents can also submit inquiries by texting TAXWATCH to 850-952-8955.
While acknowledging that property taxes have risen and tax reform is needed, Florida TaxWatch leadership argued that the legislative process leading to Amendment 3 was rushed and lacked adequate input from stakeholders. The organization recommends that the matter instead be reviewed by the state’s Taxation and Budget Reform Commission when it convenes.
A statewide survey conducted by Florida TaxWatch and Sachs Media between Aug. 1 and Aug. 3—surveying 1,115 registered voters with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.2 percentage points—indicated that approximately one in three initial “yes” voters shifted to a wait stance when informed that the commission could put forward reforms by 2028. According to TaxWatch, that shift could lower overall approval for the ballot measure to 42 percent.