Florida voters approved an expansion of homestead property tax exemptions in the Nov. 3 election, while rejecting two amendments addressing agricultural taxes and state reserves.
Amendment 3 received 61.98% support, clearing the 60% required to change Florida’s Constitution.
The amendment increases the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, with future increases tied to inflation.
It also lowers the annual cap on assessment increases for non-homestead properties to 5%, including second homes, rental properties and commercial buildings.
Counties and municipalities would have a process to expand homestead exemptions further, potentially up to the full assessed value of qualifying properties. The measure also places restrictions on how remaining property tax revenue can be spent, prioritizing public safety, education and infrastructure.
The expanded exemptions could reduce revenue for local governments, which rely on property taxes to fund police and fire departments, road maintenance and other services.
Certain new Florida residents would also have to wait five years to qualify for the full exemption.
Amendment 2 received 58.21% support, falling short of passage despite winning a majority of votes.
The proposal would have eliminated tangible personal property taxes on qualifying machinery and equipment used in farming, ranching and agritourism.
The exemption was projected to reduce local property tax collections by approximately $30 million to $40 million annually.
Amendment 1 received 40.9% support. It would have increased the constitutional cap on Florida’s Budget Stabilization Fund from 10% to 25% of net general revenue collections, with annual contributions of up to $750 million until the higher limit was reached.
Gov. Ron DeSantis opposed the amendment despite support from the Republican Party of Florida. He also criticized former House Speaker Daniel Perez as the measure headed toward defeat.
The 60% requirement also prevented two major constitutional amendments from passing in 2024.
Amendment 3, which sought to legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older, received 55.9% support.
The proposal would have permitted up to three ounces of marijuana and authorized licensed businesses to sell it. Recreational marijuana remains illegal in Florida, while medical marijuana is available.
Amendment 4, which sought to protect abortion access before fetal viability or when necessary to protect a patient’s health, received 57.2% support but failed.
Florida’s six-week abortion law remains in effect, with exceptions provided under state law.
Amendment 2, which received approximately 67% support, established a constitutional right to hunt and fish while preserving state authority over wildlife management.
Amendment 5 passed with approximately 66% support, requiring annual inflation adjustments to certain homestead property tax exemptions, excluding school district taxes.