If you own a home in Duval, Clay, or St. Johns County, you've probably heard about the property tax amendment on this November's ballot. Here's what the official language says. No spin, and no vote recommendation.
What is Florida Amendment 3 in 2026?
Amendment 3, titled "Save Our Homes From Excessive Property Taxes," is a constitutional amendment the Florida Legislature placed on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot. If at least 60% of voters approve it, it would raise the homestead exemption from non-school property taxes starting January 1, 2027, and lower the yearly assessment cap on non-homestead property from 10% to 5%. (Sources: Florida Division of Elections; St. Johns County Property Appraiser)
Is this the same as the Save Our Homes cap I already have?
No. The Save Our Homes cap you already have limits how much a homestead's assessed value can rise each year: 3% or the change in the Consumer Price Index, whichever is less (Florida Department of Revenue). The St. Johns County Property Appraiser says Save Our Homes and portability would remain unchanged under Amendment 3. Similar name, different thing.
How much would the homestead exemption increase?
Per the St. Johns County Property Appraiser, the exemption from non-school taxes would be $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. School district taxes are not part of the new exemption. The official ballot summary says the amendment "exempts the first $250,000 of a homestead's value from taxation for all levies other than school district levies and requires, through general law, a schedule for full elimination."
What about people who move to Florida after 2026?
The ballot summary says the amendment "requires any person who establishes Florida residency after January 1, 2027, to maintain Florida residency for five years prior to receiving the increased homestead exemption." If that's you, your county property appraiser can explain how it would apply.
Would local services still be funded?
The ballot summary says the amendment "requires local governments to use remaining property taxes solely for core public needs including public safety, education and schools, infrastructure, and natural resources." The Pinellas County Property Appraiser's FAQ notes the amendment "does not guarantee any specific funding level for law enforcement, fire protection, EMS, or other governmental services." How each county would budget is not known yet.
When would it take effect?
If approved, January 1, 2027. The St. Johns County Property Appraiser says the first tax bills reflecting the change would arrive in November 2027.
Want an estimate for your home?
A few online calculators estimate what Amendment 3 could mean for a specific home. Treat any result as FYI only. It is not your tax bill, it is not a promise of savings, and we don't vouch for any calculator's accuracy. Your actual taxes would depend on 2027 and 2028 tax rates that local governments haven't set yet, plus your own assessment and exemptions.
Before you use one:
Enter your assessed value from your TRIM notice or your county property appraiser's website, not what your home would sell for.
Check whether the tool includes school taxes. Amendment 3 doesn't change school district taxes, so a tool that compares your whole bill can show a bigger difference than you'd actually see. (WFTV, Sept. 30, 2026)
See whether it uses your exact local tax rate or a county average. Different tools use different methods, so they won't all match.
One option: the My Exemption Check Amendment 3 calculator separates school and non-school taxes and lets you enter your exact tax rate. It's run by a private property tax consulting firm that also sells paid appeal services. We're not affiliated with it.
For the local-government side of the math, the Florida Policy Institute, a policy advocacy group, built a calculator estimating local revenue impacts. Some local officials have disputed its methodology (Action News Jax, Sept. 30, 2026).
The only official numbers will come from your county property appraiser, your TRIM notice, and your tax bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Amendment 3 change my 2026 tax bill? No. If approved, it takes effect January 1, 2027.
Does Amendment 3 change veteran or disability exemptions? According to Florida's property appraisers, no. Their FAQ says the amendment "does not change existing personal exemptions," including veteran, disability, senior, and widow/widower exemptions. Veterans who already have a full exemption likely won't see a direct change. For how your specific exemptions would work together, contact your county property appraiser.
How do I see how it would affect my home? Start with your county property appraiser. The St. Johns County Property Appraiser has an Amendment 3 page. Online calculators (above) can give a rough FYI estimate. For anything about your own tax situation, talk to your tax advisor.
Where can I read the full text? The Florida Senate posts CS/HJR 1-F, and the Florida Division of Elections lists all three 2026 amendments.
We're REALTORS, not tax advisors, and we're not telling you how to vote. If you have questions about your home or the local market, Chris and Kristi are happy to help: courtneyteam.com.
Chris and Kristi Courtney, REALTORS® | Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty
General information, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Calculator results are estimates for information only and are not guaranteed. Sources retrieved October 6, 2026; ballot measures and their effects can change. Confirm details with your county property appraiser or a tax professional.
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