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If you have seen headlines or social media posts saying Florida is eliminating property taxes, you are probably wondering what is actually happening. The measure is officially known as Amendment 3 and will appear on Florida’s November 3, 2026 general election ballot.

Because there is already so much incomplete and misleading information circulating online, I wanted to break down what Amendment 3 actually proposes, what it does not do, and what Tampa Bay and Wesley Chapel homeowners and buyers should know before making financial decisions.

Where Amendment 3 Stands as of August 28, 2026

On August 4, 2026, a Leon County circuit judge ruled that the original ballot title and summary were biased and misleading and ordered the wording rewritten. The Attorney General released revised ballot language on August 13.

The amendment remains active as Ballot Number 3. The Hillsborough County Tax Collector reports that the legal steps are complete and ballots have been printed. The current official ballot title is “Increased Homestead Exemption, Lower Cap on Increases in Non-Homestead Property Assessments.” You can review the measure through the Florida Division of Elections.

This is still a proposal. Florida property tax law has not changed yet.

What Would Florida Amendment 3 Change?

If voters approve Amendment 3, it would make several changes to Florida’s property tax system.

1. A Larger Homestead Exemption in 2027

Beginning January 1, 2027, the amendment would exempt up to the first $150,000 of a qualifying homestead property’s assessed value from non-school property taxes.

2. A $250,000 Homestead Exemption in 2028

Beginning January 1, 2028, that exemption would increase to $250,000 of assessed value for non-school property taxes. The exemption amount would begin adjusting for inflation in 2029.

It is important to understand that this is an exemption from taxable assessed value. It is not a $250,000 payment, and it does not guarantee that a homeowner would save $250,000 in taxes.

For example, if a qualifying homestead had an assessed value of $400,000 in 2028, the proposed $250,000 exemption could leave $150,000 subject to applicable non-school property tax levies. School district property taxes would still be calculated separately.

Actual savings would depend on the property’s assessed value, local millage rates, taxing authorities, other exemptions, and non-ad valorem assessments.

3. A Lower Assessment Increase Cap for Non-Homestead Properties

The amendment would also reduce the annual assessment increase cap on many non-homestead properties from 10 percent to 5 percent beginning in 2027.

This portion could affect second homes, investment properties, rental homes, and certain commercial properties. However, it is a cap on annual assessment increases, not a guarantee that the property’s tax bill could only increase by 5 percent. A qualifying change of ownership can also trigger reassessment under Florida law.

The full proposed constitutional language and legislative history are available through the Florida Senate.

Proposed Amendment 3 Timeline

Date	What happens
November 3, 2026	Florida voters decide whether to approve Amendment 3.
January 1, 2027	If approved, the $150,000 non-school homestead exemption and 5 percent non-homestead assessment cap begin.
January 1, 2028	If approved, the non-school homestead exemption increases to $250,000.
2029 and later	The proposed homestead exemption begins adjusting for inflation.

Would Amendment 3 Completely Eliminate Florida Property Taxes?

No. Even if Amendment 3 passes, it would not automatically eliminate every property-related tax or charge for every Florida homeowner.

School District Property Taxes Would Remain

The proposed $150,000 and $250,000 exemptions apply to non-school property taxes. The amendment does not eliminate school district property taxes. The proposed language continues to provide a separate exemption of up to $25,000 for school district levies.

Property Value Above the Exemption Could Still Be Taxed

A home with an assessed value higher than the applicable exemption could still owe non-school property taxes on the remaining taxable value.

CDD Fees Would Not Automatically Disappear

This is especially important for homeowners and buyers in Wesley Chapel, where many communities have Community Development District assessments.

CDD charges frequently appear on the same annual bill as property taxes, but many are collected as non-ad valorem assessments. Amendment 3 does not automatically erase CDD assessments, HOA dues, lagoon fees, stormwater charges, garbage assessments, or other community fees.

In Pasco County, CDD fees are collected for numerous communities, including Epperson, Mirada, Estancia, Seven Oaks, Union Park, WaterGrass, and Wiregrass. The safest approach is to review the actual tax bill, HOA information, and CDD disclosure for the specific property you are considering.

What Amendment 3 Means for Wesley Chapel Buyers

Many Wesley Chapel communities carry CDD assessments in addition to property taxes. If Amendment 3 is approved, it would not automatically remove those CDD charges, HOA dues, or lagoon and amenity fees. When comparing homes, look at the full annual bill and total monthly ownership cost, not only the property tax line.

Could Property Taxes Be Reduced Further?

Potentially, but additional action would be required.

The amendment directs the Florida Legislature to establish a uniform procedure that counties and municipalities could use to increase the exemption for their own property tax levies, potentially up to the property’s remaining assessed value. Special districts could also increase their exemptions through a district referendum.

That means Amendment 3 could create a path toward additional local property tax relief. It would not automatically eliminate all property taxes throughout Florida on January 1, 2027.

What About People Moving to Florida After 2026?

This is one of the most important parts of the proposal for relocation buyers.

According to the official ballot summary, someone who is not a Florida resident on December 31, 2026 would initially receive the existing homestead exemption after qualifying. That person would become eligible for the increased exemption beginning with the fifth year of exemption, to the extent permitted by the United States Constitution.

In other words, the proposal treats current Florida residents differently from people who establish residency after December 31, 2026. The constitutionality and implementation of that provision remain uncertain.

This provision has not taken effect, and Amendment 3 still requires voter approval. Anyone considering a move should consult the appropriate property appraiser or a qualified tax professional before relying on the proposal for tax planning.

I would not recommend rushing into a home purchase solely because of a proposed tax change. A home should make sense based on today’s purchase price, insurance costs, property taxes, HOA or CDD obligations, and your overall financial goals.

What Are Florida’s Current Homestead Rules?

For the 2026 tax year, a qualifying Florida homeowner may receive a homestead exemption of up to $51,411. The first $25,000 generally applies to all property tax levies, including school district levies. The additional $26,411 applies to assessed value above $50,000 and does not apply to school district levies.

The 2026 amount is higher than the often-quoted $50,000 figure because the second portion is adjusted for inflation. The Pinellas County Property Appraiser provides a clear breakdown of the current exemption and Amendment 3.

If Amendment 3 passes, existing homestead exemption recipients would not need to submit a new application for the larger exemption. Hillsborough County states that it would be applied automatically. Save Our Homes assessment protection and portability would remain unchanged.

For Pasco County homeowners, the property must generally be your primary permanent residence as of January 1 of the year for which you are applying. The normal filing deadline is March 1.

Why Buyers Should Not Rely on the Seller’s Current Tax Bill

When purchasing a home in Tampa Bay, one of the biggest budgeting mistakes is assuming your future property taxes will match what the current owner is paying.

A longtime owner may have a homestead exemption and years of Save Our Homes assessment protection. After a qualifying change of ownership, the property can be reassessed based on its current value.

Before making an offer, buyers should estimate their future housing cost using the anticipated purchase price, projected property taxes after the sale, homeowners and flood insurance when applicable, HOA dues, CDD or other special assessments, mortgage principal and interest, and any required community or amenity fees.

What Should Tampa Bay Homeowners and Buyers Do Now?

Continue making decisions based on current law. Amendment 3 has not changed anyone’s property tax bill yet. November 2026 tax bills cover the 2026 tax year and would remain unaffected even if voters approve the amendment.

1. Homeowners: Confirm that you are receiving every exemption for which you currently qualify.
2. Buyers: Request a realistic property tax estimate instead of relying on the seller’s current bill.
3. Relocation buyers: Pay close attention to the December 31, 2026 residency language, but do not treat a future tax benefit as guaranteed.
4. Wesley Chapel buyers: Include CDD, HOA, insurance, and community fees when comparing monthly costs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Amendment 3

Has Florida eliminated property taxes?

No. Florida property taxes remain in effect. Amendment 3 is a proposed constitutional amendment that voters will consider in November 2026.

Is Amendment 3 officially on the 2026 ballot?

Yes. As of August 28, 2026, the Florida Division of Elections lists the measure as active and identifies it as Ballot Number 3. Hillsborough County reports that the legal steps are complete and ballots have been printed.

When is the vote on Amendment 3?

Florida’s 2026 general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026. The amendment needs at least 60 percent voter approval to pass.

Will Amendment 3 change my November 2026 property tax bill?

No. The November 2026 bill reflects the 2026 tax year. If voters approve Amendment 3, the earliest changes would begin with the 2027 tax year.

When would the larger homestead exemption take effect?

If approved, the proposed $150,000 non-school exemption would begin January 1, 2027. The proposed $250,000 exemption would begin January 1, 2028.

Would the larger exemption apply to school property taxes?

No. The proposed $150,000 and $250,000 exemptions apply to non-school property taxes. School district levies would remain subject to separate rules.

Would Amendment 3 eliminate CDD fees?

No. Amendment 3 would not automatically eliminate CDD assessments. Buyers and homeowners should review the specific property’s tax bill and CDD information instead of assuming those charges would disappear.

Would rental and investment properties receive the $250,000 exemption?

The larger homestead exemption is intended for qualifying permanent residences, not ordinary rental or investment properties. However, the amendment separately proposes reducing the annual assessment increase cap on many non-homestead properties from 10 percent to 5 percent.

Official Sources

• Florida Division of Elections: Amendment 3 record and current ballot summary
• Florida Senate: HJR 1F legislative history and enrolled text
• Hillsborough County Tax Collector: Amendment 3 homeowner guide
• Pinellas County Property Appraiser: Current homestead exemption and Amendment 3 explanation

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Property tax rules and proposed legislation can change. Contact the appropriate county property appraiser, tax collector, attorney, or tax professional for guidance about your specific situation.