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Florida Ballot Measure Would Raise Homestead Exemption to $250,000 by 2028

Local officials warn the proposal could cut billions from county budgets, strain public safety spending, create risks for municipal bond repayment.

Overview

  • The Florida Legislature approved a constitutional amendment in a special session and placed it on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot where it must get at least 60% approval to take effect.
  • If voters approve it the exemption for primary homes would be phased to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028 and would apply only to the non‑school share of property taxes.
  • St. Johns County’s budget office projects a $113 million drop in county tax revenue by 2029 and county leaders say that shortfall would force cuts, higher fees, or shifts in funding for parks, roads and services.
  • County tax collectors, property appraisers and bond analysts warn the revenue loss could complicate repayment of outstanding municipal bonds and slow or raise the cost of local capital projects.
  • The amendment’s text leaves unclear who could authorize increases beyond $250,000 and independent reviews, including a UBS analysis, say far fewer homeowners would benefit than some sponsors have claimed.