09/02/2026
🏡 FLORIDA PROPERTY TAX REFORM: WHAT COULD IT MEAN FOR YOU?
There’s been a LOT of conversation about Florida property taxes — and if you’re a homeowner, buyer, seller, or investor, this is something you’ll want to understand.
Florida voters will decide in November 2026 whether to approve a proposed constitutional amendment known as “Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes.” If approved, the changes would take effect January 1, 2027.
🔑 FOR CURRENT HOMEOWNERS
The proposal would significantly increase the homestead exemption for qualifying homeowners, but it would not eliminate your entire property tax bill overnight.
For homeowners who maintain their permanent residence as of December 31, 2026, the proposed exemption from non-school property taxes would be:
➡️ Up to $150,000 beginning January 1, 2027
➡️ Up to $250,000 beginning January 1, 2028
The $250,000 exemption would then be adjusted annually for positive inflation. School district taxes are not included in this new exemption.
🏠 FOR POTENTIAL BUYERS
If approved, this could make owning a qualifying primary residence more affordable by reducing the portion of your assessed value subject to certain local property taxes.
But here's the important part: Don't assume a future tax bill when you're purchasing a home today. Your actual taxes will depend on the property's assessed value, exemptions, taxing authorities, and when the new rules take effect.
💰 FOR SELLERS
Potentially lower property taxes could improve affordability for future buyers — but sellers should also understand that their current tax bill may not be the same as a future buyer's tax bill.
This is especially important when discussing property taxes with prospective buyers. A buyer's homestead status and the proposed new exemption could change the calculation.
🏢 INVESTMENT & NON-HOMESTEAD PROPERTIES
There's another important piece of this amendment.
The proposal would reduce the maximum annual assessment increase for certain non-homestead residential and non-residential properties from 10% to 5%.
That could be significant for owners of:
• Investment properties
• Rental properties
• Second homes
• Certain commercial properties
• Other non-homestead real estate
⚠️ ONE VERY IMPORTANT NOTE
This is not law yet.
The Florida Legislature passed the proposed constitutional amendment, but Florida voters will have the final say in November 2026. Constitutional amendments require approval from at least 60% of voters to pass.
If approved, the amendment is scheduled to take effect January 1, 2027.
Real estate isn't just about the purchase price. It's about understanding taxes, insurance, financing, maintenance and the total cost of ownership.
As your Realtor, I want my buyers and sellers to understand the changes that could impact their real estate decisions — not just today, but in the years ahead. 🏡❤️
Want to know how this proposal could potentially affect a specific property? Send me the address and I can help you understand what to look at.
📌 Official Florida Senate information:
"CS/HJR 1-F — Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes" (https://reference-url-citation.invalid/5)
