Florida Sends Phased Homestead Exemption to November Ballot

Overview

• The Legislature approved a constitutional amendment in a special session and placed it on the Nov. 3 ballot, with voters required to give at least 60% approval for it to take effect.
• If approved the exemption will phase up to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028 for primary residences and tie future increases to the Consumer Price Index.
• Lawmakers carved school levies out of the larger exemption, imposed a 5% annual assessment cap on non‑homestead property, and added residency and portability rules.
• Gov. Ron DeSantis criticized changes that removed a proposed state trust fund and said he will push for implementing legislation to restore his preferred protections if voters approve the amendment.
• Analyses and county officials say the measure could cost local non‑school governments billions each year, raising the prospect of service cuts, higher fees or tax shifts to businesses and second homes and pressuring municipal finances.