Likely Republican gubernatorial nominee Byron Donalds says Florida’s property tax system is getting a full rewrite next year, whether or not voters pass Amendment 3 in November.
The ballot measure would lift homestead exemptions on non-school taxes to $150,000 next year and $250,000 in 2028, with increases after that tied to the Consumer Price Index. It needs 60% support to pass. Donalds says he plans to pursue fixes to the state’s property tax structure either way.
“Whether it passes or whether it doesn’t, next year in the (Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission), we are going to bring proposals for a full and complete reform of property taxes and fees in Florida. We want to make sure that seniors on fixed income are not being taxed out of our state, and we want to make sure that young families, working families have the opportunity to build the Florida dream for themselves here in Florida. And we’re going to start that work next year,” Donalds said Friday in The Villages.
The Taxation and Budget Reform Commission is scheduled to convene in January for the first time in two decades, soon after the next Governor is sworn in. It could advance an amendment for the 2028 ballot.
Donalds has previously expressed concerns about the constitutional amendment, saying local governments could hike special assessments and non-ad valorem taxes to compensate. He also laments the lack of a funding formula to backfill lost revenue in the state’s fiscally constrained counties.
Florida’s 29 fiscally constrained counties are Baker, Bradford, Calhoun, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Okeechobee, Putnam, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Wakulla and Washington.
If Amendment 3 wins at least 60% support, the Legislature would need to pass implementing legislation, and that could be a venue to consider fixes.
Some fiscally constrained counties could lose anywhere from a fifth to a third of their revenue in the coming years if voters pass the amendment, according to the Florida Association of Counties.
The Office of Economic and Demographic Research estimates $11.86 billion a year would eventually come out of local budgets, money that would likely come from services provided to residents.
When voters learn what those impacts are, support drops below what the measure needs to pass. A University of North Florida poll found 45% support among respondents who heard the fiscal estimate, down from 61% among those who heard only the ballot language. Among Republicans, 68% still back it.
With local governments and statewide police and fire unions opposed to the amendment, Donalds is walking a tightrope on an issue that could be a drag with the independent voters he will need in November’s General Election. Only 40% of NPAs who heard the fiscal impact say they will vote for the ballot item.
–A.G. Gancarski, Florida Politics
Deborah Coffey says
Donald’s is just another MAGA LAWBREAKER who couldn’t care less about the will of the people. In other words, he’s a Fascist…wanting total power and all the money. Even MAGAs would do well NOT to vote for him!
JimboXYZ says
Why do they have to piggyback their ulterior motives of agenda to control inflation ? This was 2024 & went into effect for January 2025. The new legislation has a $ 15K fee for new purchased property & resells that would be more than anyone’s taxes would ever be. What a scam.
https://www.ownwell.com/blog/amendment-5-florida-other-laws-explained
Engin Ruslpostur says
This is proof of Byron Donald’s absolute incompetence for the office of Governor! He actually says “ I don’t care how you vote. If you voters reject the property tax amendment I, as King of all Governors, will change it anyway. Only my opinion matters anymore, once you elect me.
NO THANKS DONALDS. GO FIND ANOTHER STATE TO BECOME DICTATOR !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Laurel says
And there you are, ladies and gentlemen. Byron Donalds flat out told you he doesn’t care what the voters want, which does seem to be a Republican thing these days. So, Republicans, why vote? This man is going to do whatever he wants, not what the voters want, which includes you. Much like DeSantis, who used your tax money to campaign against voters. Give it all up to Tallahassee. Lose local home rule.
These people think they are better to rule than you, so they will rule you. Just like in the book “Animal Farm” where “some animals are more equal than others.”
“Ken Griffin is one of the major donors, contributing $10 million to Byron Donalds’ campaign for Governor of Florida. Overall, Donalds has raised over $103 million for his campaign, indicating broad-based support from various donors.”
– Search Assist, Florida Politics, Wikipedia
So, who is Ken Griffin?
“Ken Griffin is an American billionaire hedge fund manager, entrepreneur, and investor, known as the founder and CEO of Citadel LLC, one of the world’s most profitable hedge funds. As of January 2026, he has an estimated net worth of $51.2 billion, making him the 34th richest person in the world.”
– Search Assist, Forbes, Wikipedia
Who do you figure Donalds will work for? You? Are you one of the millionaires, or billionaires donating to Donalds? You got an extra $10,000,000 to throw around, to get your way? His commercials are saturating the market with this money, same for Blaise Ingogolia.
“U.S. Sugar is the biggest donor, contributing $50,000 to Blaise Ingoglia’s campaign, along with Value Underwriters II, which donated $25,000. Overall, Ingoglia has raised approximately $6.5 million for his campaign.”
– Search Assist, Florida Politics, secure.winred.com
Same ole shit, another day.
Pogo says
Donalds tells everyone who isn’t him: FU
Well, that checks out; it’s the real Donalds.
“Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals.”
— Winston Churchill
EC: File
Tony Mack says
Looks as if Donalds should fit right in with the Trump crowd…they really like their own lawbreakers…of course he was saved…
Past Arrests and Legal History
1997 Arrest: Arrested at age 18 or 19 for marijuana possession. He completed a pre-trial diversion program, paid a $150 fee, and the charge was dismissed without a formal conviction. He later acknowledged that he had also sold low-level amounts of cannabis during his youth.
2000 Arrest: Arrested at age 21 on a felony theft/bribery-related charge. He pleaded no contest, received two years of probation, and made financial restitution.
Judith G. Michaud says
No,no,n0 to Donalds ! Florida does not need another Felon supporter! We need someone to clean up the mess that RonDonSantis has made and that would not be Byron Donalds !
Sam says
Data Center Donalds says what now? That no matter how we the people vote, he’ll ignore it and do what he wants? What else will he do that the people are against? Expand data centers, for one. Get rid of small-business loans, expand AI usage, worsen unemployment benefits, which are already laughable at $275 a week. Has anyone seen the job market? It’s horrendous. $275 barely covers a week’s worth of food for a family of four. Forget about SNAP or other assistance. Forget about bills. No one is just sitting around in this state collecting unemployment willfully not looking for work. People are looking. If you’re lucky enough to get past the ATS, you might get an interview, or it might not even be a job they’re hiring for now. Maybe it goes to Aunt Marge in accountings niece. Anyone who thinks finding a job is easy today, hasn’t had to look for one in a while. Data Center Donalds won’t help. He will only hurt. But yeah, vote for the R. It’s worked out so well. /s
DAve says
This guy is just another promise this and never ever deliver. Same old story we have heard for years and years. Is a no for me on this one.
Engin Ruslpostur says
Doesn’t it bother you that Byron publicly states that it Doesn’t matter how we vote on amendment 3, and he will rewrite it next year even if we reject the amendment! I guess we voters don’t count, as long as Emperor Byron is around