Florida Voters Will Decide Property Tax Changes in November
A November 3 referendum could triple your homestead tax credit to $150,000 for the upcoming tax year.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Residential
Live Poll
Should your community increase the homestead tax exemption if it requires cutting local public services?
Florida homeowners face a ballot measure on November 3 that would significantly increase the state homestead tax credit. If approved by voters, the credit would rise from its current $50,000 to $150,000 on January 1, 2027.
Why it matters
The outcome will directly influence property tax bills and the revenue available for local government services. Because the measure acts as a constitutional amendment, it requires a 60 percent supermajority to pass.
The proposed constitutional amendment would raise the current $50,000 homestead tax credit to $150,000 in 2027 and subsequently to $250,000. To succeed, the measure requires 60 percent voter approval.
The players
Steve Vancore
A political consultant who urged local officials to campaign against the property tax referendum.
Byron Donalds
A political figure who has announced his plan to support the property tax reduction efforts.
Heartland League of Cities
A regional organization of municipal leaders that discussed the fiscal impact of the proposed tax changes.
The details
The referendum functions as a constitutional amendment to change how homestead properties are taxed across the state. While real estate groups plan to spend $20 million to support the measure, opponents are utilizing social media and education campaigns to discourage voters. Local governments currently rely on existing property tax structures to fund essential public services.
Timeline
August 2026: Polling showed 59 percent support for the referendum.
October 2026: Steve Vancore addressed the Heartland League of Cities regarding the measure.
November 3, 2026: Statewide vote on the property tax referendum.
January 1, 2027: Homestead tax credit would increase to $150,000 if passed.
2028: Homestead tax credit would increase to $250,000 if passed.
The Home Front
The referendum seeks to expand the Florida homestead tax credit, which is a foundational component of state residential property law. The proposal would significantly alter the current tax landscape for primary residents across the state.
Homeowners should review their current property tax assessments to understand how their specific homestead exemption currently reduces their bill. Consider the long-term impact on local school and infrastructure funding in your municipality if the tax base is reduced.
The takeaway
The proposed change would significantly lower the taxable value of primary residences for many Florida households. Voters should review the language on the November 3 ballot carefully to understand the long-term trade-offs between immediate tax relief and future public funding levels.
What happens next
The referendum will be decided by voters on November 3, 2026. Should it pass with the required 60 percent, the initial tax credit increase takes effect on January 1, 2027, followed by a second increase in 2028.
Further reading
Learn more about local ownership trends at Florida Residential.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Villages-News: News, crime, classifieds, government, events in The Villages, FL.
Live Poll
Should your community increase the homestead tax exemption if it requires cutting local public services?
