Amendment 3 Tool Estimates Local Property Tax Savings
Florida Tax Watch released a calculator for homeowners to measure potential non-school tax reductions under the proposed constitutional change.
By Victoria Hayes ·
Homeowners in Central Florida can now estimate their potential property tax savings under a proposed state constitutional amendment. A new online tool released by the nonprofit Florida Tax Watch provides specific figures for local residents based on their county, city, and water management district.
Amendment 3 appears on the ballot for Tuesday's election. The measure requires a 60% approval rate to pass. If voters approve the amendment, it will take effect on January 1, 2027. The change creates a new homestead exemption specifically for non-school taxes.
Under the proposal, the first $150,000 of a home's assessed value would be exempt from non-school property taxes in 2027. That exemption amount increases to $250,000 in 2028. From 2029 onward, the $250,000 threshold would be indexed to inflation. Homeowners with an assessed value at or below these limits would pay zero in non-school property taxes to local governments, though school taxes would still apply.
The exemption is available to permanent Florida residents who were in the state before the amendment's effective date. Newcomers receive lower exemption amounts during their first five years of residency before qualifying for the full benefit.
To use the resource center, users select their specific location from a dropdown menu. The tool then displays estimated savings for both 2027 and 2028. Florida Tax Watch designed the tool to help residents understand the financial impact of the measure on their individual budgets.
Critics of the amendment argue that reducing property tax revenue will strain local governments. They note that these taxes fund core services such as police departments and libraries. Proponents counter that local spending has grown too high and that current property taxes place an undue burden on homeowners.
Florida Realtors are spending $18 million to support the passage of Amendment 3. The group argues the measure will provide relief to homeowners across the state as they head to the polls on November 3.
