POLISCOPE
Back to feed
NewsSuncoast SearchlightJune 24, 2026Manatee

Florida Voters to Decide on Major Property Tax Exemption Changes

Florida voters will decide in November whether to significantly increase homestead exemptions, which would reduce property taxes for many homeowners but potentially lead to new service fees. The proposal aims to raise the exemption threshold to $150,000 next year and $250,000 by 2028, though critics warn it could complicate tax bills and shift costs to non-ad valorem fees.

property taxhomestead exemptionFlorida politicslocal government finance
Read the full story at Suncoast Searchlight

Why It Matters

If passed, this amendment will change the amount of property value subject to non-school taxes for all Florida homeowners, potentially lowering annual tax bills while restricting how local governments fund services like roads and fire protection.

Key Facts

  • Voters will decide in November whether to increase the non-school homestead exemption.
  • The proposed exemption would rise from $50,000 to $150,000 starting next year.
  • The exemption would further increase to $250,000 by 2028.
  • The amendment restricts how local governments can spend property tax revenue.
  • The proposal does not change school taxes, which remain in place.
  • Critics warn that local governments may shift to 'non-ad valorem' fees for services like fire and police to replace lost revenue.
  • Non-ad valorem fees are charges for specific services that do not qualify for homestead exemptions.
  • Savings for homeowners depend on local millage rates and property assessed values.
  • Homes assessed between $150,000 and $250,000 will see the largest year-to-year changes in tax liability.
  • The amendment is designed to apply to county, city, and special district taxes, but not school board taxes.

Who's Mentioned

personRon DeSantis“Governor of Florida who supports the amendment.”personGabriela Szymanowska“Author of the article.”organizationSuncoast Searchlight“The news publication reporting the story.”personScott Tussing“Director of communications for the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office.”organizationFlorida Policy Project“A non-partisan organization analyzing the tax proposal.”locationManatee County“County used as a case study for tax savings calculations.”personJeff Brandes“Former Republican State Senator and president of the Florida Policy Project.”