Florida Property Tax Changes 2026: What the "Save Our Homes" Amendment Means for You
If you’ve spent more than five minutes on social media lately, you’ve probably seen the headlines screaming that Florida is completely wiping out property taxes.
With all the buzz surrounding Governor DeSantis's recent special legislative session in June, it’s easy to see why rumors are flying. But before you go planning how to spend your tax savings, let’s separate the viral rumors from the actual reality.
Florida hasn't eliminated property taxes yet—but a massive shift is officially heading to the ballot box this fall. Here is exactly what is happening, what is changing, and how it could affect your wallet.
1. Nothing Changes Automatically (The November Ballot)
First things first: the Florida Legislature didn’t just pass a law that changes your tax bill tomorrow. Instead, they passed House Joint Resolution 1-F (the "Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes" amendment).
Because this requires a change to the Florida State Constitution, the ultimate decision belongs to the voters. You will see this measure on your ballot during the November 3, 2026, general election. For it to become law, it must pass with a 60% voter approval.
2. It Only Applies to Your Primary Residence
If passed, this tax relief isn't a blanket cut for all real estate. It specifically targets homesteaded properties (your primary home). If you own rental properties, commercial buildings, or a secondary vacation home, this specific exemption expansion won't apply to them.
3. The Big Shift: School Taxes vs. Non-School Taxes
This is where the social media rumors get it wrong. The proposal does not touch school district taxes, which make up roughly 40% to 50% of your total property tax bill depending on where you live. School funding remains protected.
Instead, the amendment targets non-school property taxes (the money that funds your local county, city, and special districts). If voters say yes, the homestead exemption for non-school taxes will experience a massive, phased jump:
2027: The non-school exemption jumps from the current $50,000 to $150,000.
2028: The non-school exemption climbs again to $250,000.
2029 and beyond: The exemption will be indexed to inflation so it keeps up with rising home values.
The Math: If your primary home is assessed at $225,000, your non-school property taxes would be completely wiped out by 2028. You would only pay your standard school district taxes.
4. The "5-Year Waiting Period" for New Residents
Are you planning a move to the Sunshine State from out of state? Pay close attention to this detail.
To keep the system fair for long-term locals, the amendment introduces a strict phase-in period. Anyone who establishes Florida residency on or after January 1, 2027, will only receive a baseline $50,000 non-school exemption. They must maintain continuous Florida residency for five full years before they qualify for the larger $250,000 exemption.
5. Protections for Local Business Owners
A common worry with massive tax cuts is that local governments will simply raise tax rates on businesses to make up for lost revenue. To prevent this "tax shifting," the amendment also cuts the maximum annual assessment growth cap on non-homestead properties (like small businesses and rentals) from 10% down to 5% for non-school levies.
The Bottom Line
The upcoming ballot measure is the most significant proposed overhaul of the Florida property tax system in decades. It creates a direct legal pathway for future legislatures to completely eliminate non-school homestead taxes over time.
As we head toward November, expect the debate to heat up between those cheering for immediate tax relief and local municipalities worrying about local infrastructure budgets.