Florida Amendment 3 Draws Sharply Split Campaigns Over Billions in Local Revenue Losses

Overview

• The measure, advanced by the Legislature in a June special session, would raise the non-school homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028 and change assessment rules for some properties.
• State analysts estimate the amendment would eventually remove about $11.86 billion a year from local budgets while independent forecasts show larger multi-year losses.
• County and city leaders in places such as Alachua and Orange say local modeling shows steep dollar and percentage revenue drops that could lead to reduced policing, firefighting, slower 911 response and delayed infrastructure work.
• Supporters, backed by a $10 million Florida Realtors donation and GOP endorsements, argue it delivers homeowner tax relief and warn of migration risks if it fails, while law enforcement and fire unions oppose it for lacking a written funding plan.
• The amendment is on the November ballot and needs 60% voter approval to pass, so the contest now centers on fiscal projections, county briefings and whether the state will design sustainable aid if voters approve the change.