Pushback is mounting against a proposed constitutional amendment that would increase Florida’s homestead exemption to $250,000, and now a political committee is raising funds to oppose it.
The Stop Unfair Tax Shifts PC, chaired by former Leon County Commissioner Bryan Desloge, is using funds to urge Floridians to reject Amendment 3 this November. Desloge is a Republican who spent 14 years on the Commission before losing to a Democrat in 2020.
“As a former County Commissioner, I know first-hand the bills for public safety, roads and bridges, stormwater protection and even hurricane response don’t go away. The consequences of Amendment 3 will shift those bills, causing higher rent, more expensive everyday purchases, costlier first homes, and many small businesses that can’t absorb an increase in commercial property taxes,” Desloge said.
The committee argues Floridians are voting on a “complex package of tax changes that will have major consequences for the Sunshine State.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has criticized rising property taxes imposed by local governments, has pushed for the overhaul for more than a year. The Legislature approved the measure earlier this month to “super-size” an existing tax break for homeowners.
Desloge is confident voters will choose to protect the revenue their local governments count on.
“As more Floridians recognize that the choices are to either cut the things our communities depend on, or shift the cost to someone else, I believe voters will choose to protect their local communities and defeat Amendment 3,” Desloge added.
If approved by at least 60% of voters in November, the amendment would raise the homestead exemption on owners’ primary residences to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, then tie further increases to the consumer price index. School taxes would be exempt from the proposal.
Newer residents would qualify for a $50,000 exemption to start. After five years of Florida residency, they would derive the full benefit of the tax break.
The amendment would also cap annual assessment increases on non-homestead property at 5%, down from the current 10% limit.
Local governments would be limited to funding public safety, infrastructure, schools, debt service and pensions through any remaining property tax revenue. County constitutional officers — Elections Supervisors, Clerks of Court, Property Appraisers, and County and City Commissions — would also be funded.
For other spending not covered, local governments would be left with unappetizing options. They could raise assessments and fees, or rely on Tallahassee to backfill funds through the state budget process. Either way, help may be needed to maintain current levels of service.
The Office of Economic and Demographic Research estimates roughly $11.86 billion would eventually be drained from local budgets each year — money that would likely come from services provided to residents.
Commuter counties with less commercial development and more revenue derived from homestead property taxes would be, proportionately, hit hardest, according to some estimates. St. Lucie could face the steepest loss at 35% of its revenue, with Clay, Baker, Citrus and Hernando counties all facing losses of more than 30%.
Flagler, Volusia, Hernando and Sumter counties would each see at least two-thirds of homes potentially impacted by the proposed homestead exemption increase.
Larger urban counties would absorb the biggest hit in raw dollars, according to the Florida Association of Counties. Miami-Dade would see a $445 million revenue decrease as soon as Fiscal Year 2028-29. By the same point, Hillsborough could lose $353 million, Broward roughly $326 million, Duval $277 million, and Orange $253 million.
Beyond launching its website, the committee has not announced any other campaign steps.
Separately, a suit has been filed in Leon County Court arguing the ballot language is misleading.
–A.G. Gancarski, Florida Politics
Villein says
This amendment is a con job. I suspect our state senator, Tom Leek, and state representative, Sam Greco, are up to no good voting to defund local governments. I’ll be voting against Greco, I hope he has a primary challenger. Leek will have to wait until 2028. By then the common ground party should have candidates up and down the ballot so we can all live in peace.
JimboXYZ says
Restructuring the Property Tax is a nothing burger for doing anything for Flagler County beyond moving everything that isn’t Flagler County Schools off the Property Tax to a “Utility & Other Government Services” format, as it’s currently a Utility Bill for Water & Garbage collection. We’ll see monthly payments instead of quarterly & annual Property Tax payments. More line items that won’t apply to the higher homestead exemption. The City of Palm Coast will approve & pass that just the same as they did the approvals for growth. Those rates will apply to every property that has water & sewage. and I bet it’s tied to gallons of water for household consumption rather than appraised value of a home before or after any homestead exemption(s) are applied. The appraisal system as we know it will only be used to calculate a millage rate for Flagler County Schools. The complexity of the model shifts & is only as good as the spreadsheets for modeling a budget. Schools on any Property Tax Bill are pretty much exempt from the homestead exemption(s). It’s not going to be affected by the new legislation. This is a matter of what the base is, it’s either an appraised value of a home less homestead exemptions vs water consumption where neither appraised value nor homestead exemption(s) apply to the calculations. The rate ? They could easily take the budget amount divide it by annual water consumption in gallons and the big total number is always going to be what the Government approves for a budget. What flexes is the rate each month. Let’s say, one household uses 1,000 gallons of water per month, that’s 12,000 gallons per year. If the budget for FCSO is $ 4 million per year, that number is spread over that household accounts water consumption rather than the appraised value of the home less applicable homestead exemption(s). In a way, doing it that way more accurately spreads the budget over the population. Those that have more occupancy in a residence are billed by their water consumption rather than a property appraisal value. In that regard it’s more accurate for who pays for the services. That rental duplex with 1/2 a dozen residents living there end up paying for the services by head count & water consumption. The duplex that has the old retired couple they get charged accordingly & for their water consumption. And we all still end up paying for the inflation on the annual budgets. And the property homestead exemption(s) increases & games of older vs newer homeowner is defeated.
Ed P says
Interestingly, to date, the opposition has not discussed, let alone, admitted to the voters that some waste or fraud exists and possible savings could be found. Maybe the promise that the current tax revenue could be spent wiser and a small reduction is a possibility.
I agree an amputation is radical procedure, but sometimes it’s the only solution.
The dude says
We can start with Alligator Alley, Casey DeSantis’s little charity, flying immigrants from other states to other states… all FINE examples of fraud and waste. All things the rubes and dullards of MAGA approve of…
That’s billion(s) right there at the state level.
No… there will be little reduction in fraud and waste as it’s institutional from the top down in this MAGA controlled state, MAGA controlled county, and MAGA controlled city.
Any “cuts” will come from the bottom up, starting with the kids.
It will not involve “fraud and waste”, but essential services that help the kids. Like Carver Gym.
Mr. Bill says
Looks like your brain is “MAGA CONTROLLED”
Diet starts in November says
Me and everyone I know is voting to get rid of property taxes. No matter how much politicians and the fattened government employees complain it will pass! Cut every service. Volunteer fire departments work just fine! Good bye 2026 ford expedition for Matanzas high-school school administrators! You all have grown fat and lazy and its time for an Ozempic shot in the rear end!
JC says
And congrats on you supporting to support the big state government for all of your money needs. That’s how they do it in Democrat states BTW, must rely on the state government for financials.
Laurel says
Diet: You and everyone you know is going to be volunteer fire department volunteers, correct? Since the young need jobs, the 65 and older set will be the fire department volunteers, according to you. Just like the current U.S. administration, no knowledge, fitness or experience necessary. I’ll just run up that ladder, on a multistory building, and carry people down on my back. Maybe we can form a line and pass buckets of water. Perfect for urban settings.
Will you people stop and think for just a minute? Sometimes I cannot believe the sh*t I read here.
The dude says
As Jimbo pointed out in the word salad above… school funding is separate from property taxes.
Any reduction in property taxes you rubes are so excited about, will be made up in other ways.
Villein says
Volunteer fire departments will mean higher home owners insurance rates. And the school district will be untouched so they can continue unphased. Can anyone else point out a government service they would like eliminated or curtailed by 30%? Your local representatives will have to make these decisions.
K Bryan says
As a former county and city commissioner I totally concur that the proposed tax revision will have very severe consequences on the quality of life residents currently enjoy. DeSantis and his majority of lawmakers have been working every possible angle to reduce and ultimately eliminate “home rule”.
Loosing local control on public safety, parks, infrastructure maintenance, law enforcement and many other services will be severely compromised in my opinion and experience. I encourage voters to take time to get the facts before you vote.
Yes we all want less taxes however the money to support the quality of life we enjoy has to come from somewhere.
Increase SALES TAX? Think again!!!
Do you want Tallahassee state law makers to decide when and how your local priorities and requirements get funded?
If you think elected officials and city managers are not spending wisely, speak up and replace them.
John Stove says
This issue wouldnt even have been an option for citizens if they trusted their local government with their tax dollars. In Palm Coast we are sick and tired of paying for things we didnt ask for, for developers not paying their way and for the department heads and city leaders wasting our money.
Because citizens have no say or control on our taxes, they WILL VOTE YES on this amendment to reset the cost of government and make our cities and county more efficient when they realize the unlimited funds coming from taxpayers is over.
You want to switch to “fees”?…..go ahead make us pay a fee when we actually use the service or get the work done (swales, streets, fire police). 10 years in Palm Coast and never had my swales cleaned, street paved, called police, called Fire, used a water park, used a boat ramp etc etc etc
Laurel says
John Stove: “10 years in Palm Coast and never had my swales cleaned, street paved, called police, called Fire, used a water park, used a boat ramp etc etc etc”.
The swale in front of your home is to be maintained by you. That’s true anywhere you live in Florida. You don’t need Police, Fire, parks, boat ramps, etc., etc.. So, why aren’t you living way out in the country somewhere, where these services are not provided? You’re under the impression that these services will continue by fees only?
You would prefer to answer to Tallahassee for local needs, with the brain trust of “Alligator Alcatraz” and flying immigrants from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard, on your dime, for monetary efficiency, right? Well, you just may get your wish, but if it’s a failure, there is no turning back without reassessment at the current market prices.
Well, here’s shocker for you: your annual home *bill* will not go away.
Most of you who agree with all this supposed plan moved from somewhere else where it was more expensive. Y’all sold your homes, at higher prices, moved here at lower prices, and haven’t stopped complaining. Tear apart Florida. Tear apart community. Tear apart the public school system. You’re crashing the state.
Gee, thanks.
Laurel says
“Volunteer fire departments are generally less common in urban areas due to the higher demand for emergency services and the need for quicker response times. In many urban settings, the trend is shifting towards all-career fire departments as volunteer numbers decline and call volumes increase.”
– Search Assist, iaff.org, Wikipedia
Richard says
Nowadays there too many traffic stops in Florida for minor stuff.
Florida sheriffs would need fewer officers and less property tax money if the laws were changed so they couldn’t pull drivers over except for reasonable suspicion of a real traffic violation or crime: stop pulling folks over for things like no seatbelt being worn, a taillight out, or dangling air freshener from the rear view mirror..
TR says
Breaking the law is breaking the law regardless of it’s severity. How many times have we read anywhere or heard on the TV that (what you called ) a simple traffic stop lead to a major arrest for someone with an outstanding warrant, drug trafficking, fugitive on the run, driving a stolen car, etc. There are those simple law breakers that could be someone who hurt you or your family or stole from you something you worked hard to get. But hey, if you think that the law enforcement is to hard on the simple infraction traffic stops? Then don’t call them if you need them because you might get a herder criminal off the street. Oh and BTW, you can’t get pulled over for having an air freshener hanging from the rear view mirror. But you probable already knew that and were being ridicules, or maybe not.
Skibum says
You are correct, TR. During my law enforcement career, I made gads of arrests for warrants, various felony offenses unknown to me at the time, and took many, many violent offenders (including for murder ) off of the streets simply by enforcing traffic laws. Law enforcement officers everywhere know that the criminal element who commit crimes have NO respect for many of our traffic laws, be it even a seemingly insignificant one like a seatbelt violation, running a stop sign or speeding.
Comments like the one Richard made above are indicative of complete ignorance, maybe by those with good intentions… or perhaps from people who are chronic traffic violators and are complaining because they keep caught committing those offenses. Either way, traffic stops are a valid and very useful tool for law enforcement in order to keep our communities safe from those who flout the law every chance they get.
TR says
Richard, the law is the law to matter how severe the violator is. breaking when getting pulled over. BTW, you can not get a ticket for an air freshener hanging from the rear view mirror.
Laurel says
I don’t really like taxes either, but, here’s the thing: It is DeSantis’ responsibility, and the responsibility of the Republican politicians, to provide to us the plan on just how this system will work for us in the future, and they are not doing that. They are completely avoiding any explanation on just exactly how our services will be funded. Why do you think that is?
They are throwing out the tempting bait, and some of us are drooling for it not really knowing the consequences. Why the hurry just now for the midterms? Whether it is Democrats, or now, Republicans, telling us this is not going to work, they have succeeded with the goal of getting the Republicans to the midterm polls.
So, we all need to get to the polls, Republicans, Democrats and Independents, and that be the end of the manipulation. We need to let politicians know that we are tired of being jerked around, and they need to show real plans that help us afford daily life. Help us afford buying homes. Help us afford food prices. Help us afford good, public education. Help us afford homeowners insurance. Help us afford healthcare. Stop dangling carrots in front of us with open ended half baked plans. Stop manipulating us, and get to work.
Remember this: Corporations, that are running our government, hate home rule, but, you still have the power of the vote. Show the politicians you are no longer willing to be fooled, to take the bait. Show them you will no longer be distracted by culture wars. Sow them you will no longer be manipulated by division. Show them you mean business. Demand they provide us with real plans, that really work in our favor.
DaleL says
The real choice is whether county taxes and budgets are to be dictated by Tallahassee or our local elected officials. Starving local governments of tax revenue will not fix potholes, provide shelters during hurricanes, or even improve accountability. It is an illusion.
I am reminded of Elon Musk and D.O.G.E. DOGE was promoted as a way save a trillion dollars (then 150 billion) in federal “wasteful” spending. Instead, according to one report, it cost 21.7 billion in waste.
https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/12/doge-did-not-find-2t-in-fraud-but-that-doesnt-matter-musk-allies-say/
Sometimes the status quo is the best deal that’s possible. Certainly better than an illusion that borders on fraud.
Ed P says
Hello Dale,
Just a comment about DOGE. Had they been able to follow all the hundreds of billions of dollars downstream to where the rubber meets the road, all this massive healthcare, medical services, government benefits and contract fraud would have been exposed sooner.
Status quo is not acceptable.
Would a revamping of local government funding even be considered if residents were not being choked out?
Skibum says
Oh yeah, right… LOL!!!!! And had all of you flat earthers just been allowed to investigate and follow-up on all of the numerous bread crumbs downstream that obviously would lead anyone to the undeniable conclusion that the earth really is flat… then we would have a totally new meaning to the quote “I’ll follow you to the ends of the earth!”
Independant voter says
Talk about a plan to screw taxpayers this is it. It has no benefits for homeowners. Don’t fall for DeSantis scam.
Alfred P. says
That’s the problem with government these days….they don’t want to give up frivolous spending money. Legalize recreational Marijuana and new tax dollars will be rolling in. Tax alcohol more . That may even help with dui deaths on our highways.
D says
Anyone that is EDUCATED will vote YES to abolish property taxes on homestead properties!!!
JC says
Sounds rich, I’m educated and I’m voting no since I don’t want local governments to rely on the big state government. I escaped from that crap up blue states and I don’t want it here.
Laurel says
D: Please, go ahead and “EDUCATE” us. Explain to us how this *plan* will work after it passes. Don’t tell us what you think will happen, what you believe will happen, tell us exactly what will happen. Please, give us the details, because our Republican politicians will not. After all, you are the only educated one who has the answer. We’ll wait. Go ahead.
Do I expect you to respond to my request with factual information? No, I do not.
Ed P says
Hello Laurel,
Obviously no one can predict what each local taxing authority will do but universally the following would be the cards every single politician is dealt.
Because shifting the cost back to homeowners is politically toxic and legally difficult, there will be forced into tangible operational cuts. Leaders will not eliminate essential services entirely, but rather deploy specific fiscal survival tactics.
They will defer major infrastructure or capital equipment purchases. ( not suggesting this is a good move)
They will freeze the hiring process and trim down by retirements and departing employees. Mass layoffs are a scare tactic.
They will eliminate quality of life subsidies. For instance, youth sports may have to pay a small fee for the season to use facilities. Pickleball leagues/Tennis clubs will do the same.
Library hours may be reduced or local events defunded.
County and city leaders will adjust to the new reality, but we won’t be thrown back to the Stone Age nor will the sky fall.
Remember, 40% of the Flagler county properties are non homesteaded and will still be paying their full pull. Estimated “savings” for homeowners will not be 50%-60% of the tax burden but probably about 10-15% annually.
Ask Ai to estimate your own savings. It’s easy. Just go to google and Gemini will tell you.
Someone who is homesteaded with a current $50,410 homestead exemption without any protected value would save about $850 in 2027 and $1747 in 2028 on their current $13,000 tax bill. They are still going to pay $11,000+ in 2028.
Once everyone knows the facts, they can each decide.
I’m relatively sure it’s a foregone conclusion.
Jean says
Well in this case I’m on the red side. Local government should stop wasting money. There is so much waste in Flagler and PC governments. They get more than enough in taxes, and should start being spendthrift, as we are all having to be!
Laurel says
Jean: If this goes through, you will be looking to Tallahassee for your local needs, and what I’ve seen so far, DeSantis, and the politicians in Tallahassee, are not “efficient” with your money.
Ed Danko, former Vice-Mayor PC says
As your former Vice-Mayor, rest assured your tax dollars are being foolishly wasted on a host of “pet projects” by tax & Spend liberals and RINOS (like Pontieri) who will piss on your leg and tell you it’s raining! Vote Yes and spend some of those extra dollars at local businesses and boost our economy while creating new jobs!
Waste not want not says
There is so much waste,over staffed department and frivolous spending at our city & county level !
A 20% across the board budget cut would be a start in the right direction but our local leaders don’t understand how to cut,save & conserve.
Hopefully this bill passes in November to serve as a wake up call to the elected clown show we pay dearly to watch
Insider says
Any successful grifter will tell you the target is greed. Apparently, there are a lot of targets out there, much to the delight of the grifters.
Laurel says
No, that wasn’t “Insider” as the author of the last comment, it was Laurel. “Insider defaulted on my phone.
About time says
The tax spend and waste days for all these county and local governments is OVER!
VOTE YES
Mr. Bill says
I say give it a chance. The only thing keeping our property taxes anywhere near affordable is the 1992 Florida Save Our Homes Act.
Back when property taxes weren’t too bad–way back in 1992, Florida voters had the vision and common sense to vote YES! It was created to prevent long-time homeowners from being taxed out of their homes during periods of rapid real estate appreciation.
And you know what? It worked! But who would have ever thought that the house you bought in 1985 for 175K is now worth a staggering 1 million! The tax man says…Pay Me! And the City and the County say…Keep It Comin’!
It’s still not perfect and will have to be amended in the future, I’m sure, but for now it makes the most sense for these inflationary times.
Don’t forget to put your info in this website put up by the state to show you personally how much money you will be able to shield, legally, from the Tax Man.
https://www.saveourhomesfl.com/#savings
Ed P says
State calculator is over stating savings because its set a fixed average mill rate and over simplified the reduction.
Suggest asking google to retrieve your exact tax information and make the calculation.
My actual savings will be 62% less than the link.
claim that victory all you want but its not yours says
Am I the only one who sees the removal of property tax a benefit for the ultra wealthy? Example: Seaside cottage (9,500 sq feet) property tax $100,000. Modest home in middletown FL to. average Joe Smohe property tax $500. The two are not equal.
There are far more Joe Smohe’s than 1%ers, but the Smohes are doing exactly only what benefits the 1%ers – doing so excitedly while waving American flags claiming a victory, lol.
Laurel says
claim that victory: No, I’ve written about it several times, even showing one house paying nearly half a million each year, and their home is not for sale! Clearly, this is an additional boon for the ultra rich, and a sucker punch for the average family. An experiment, aka a gamble.
Ed P says
Hello,
Every home is limited to the homestead value reduction of $250,000 on non school taxes.
That means any home assessed at or under $250,000 pays zero taxes except for schools if qualified for exemption.
That million dollar or 10 million dollar home simply means their value is now $750,000 or $9,750,000 and they pay taxes on both school and non school.
Of course someone who pays 10-20 more than that average Joe saves more based on % being paid, but the total per home maximum savings tops out at about $2000/$2400 based on local tax rates. That it.
Everyone gets the exact benefit, a $250,000 exemption similar to our current $50,000 .
62% of all Florida homeowners under the $250,000 stand to pay only school taxes while everyone still has skin in the game and pays taxes on public services.
Do you both consider that a wealthy windfall?
Republican Dave says
People, read the line items on your tax bill. You will still pay for police. You will still pay for the Fire Department. You will still pay for schools. You are going to pay more non ad valorem assessments. The sales tax will be raised. One way or another, you will still pay. This is a ruse to get you to the polls to vote for anyone with an “R” after their name.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court just gave a ruling for Citizens United to be able to donate as much as they want directly to the political parties. The Republicans will outspend the Democrats on Donalds, for the the Governor’s race, whom I believe to be a Trump boot licker. As a lifelong Republican, I don’t believe Donalds is right for the job, but prepare yourself for the TV ads and pamphlets.
Ed P says
We may all get a lesson in THE TYRANNY OF THE MAJORITY.
We might get a chance to experience what a pure democracy can cost.
The proposal for the constitutional change and providing the $250,000 homestead exemption coupled with the SOH will mean about 60% ( a super majority) of homeowner in Florida will no longer pay property taxes for anything other than schools. Flagler county is estimated 50-60%. They will pay only on schools (about 40% of our taxes) and skate on the other 60% of public services taxes.
However, every other home assessed above the exemption line pays for public services that those homeowners are no longer required to pay. They still use but for free.
Anyone who believes this is a windfall the Uber rich is gullible, this is a progressive redistribution scheme.
I still believe the passage to be a foregone conclusion.